MCH 2025 Title V Needs Assessment: Priorities and Action Plan 2021-2025

Abstract

Enacted by Congress in 1935, Title V of the Social Security Act committed federal support to states to ensure adequate health services for maternal and child health populations, including an emphasis on Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) and their families. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant is predicated on life course theory and the knowledge of the importance of critical stages, beginning before a child is born and continuing throughout life, which can influence lifelong health and well-being. Title V MCH continues to be the only federal grant program solely focused on improving the health of all mothers and children. Title V legislation and the MCH Services Block Grant Program enables states to:

--Provide and assure mothers and children access to quality MCH services --Reduce infant mortality and the incidence of preventable diseases --Provide rehabilitation services for blind and disabled individuals --Provide and promote family-centered, community-based, coordinated care, and facilitate the development of community-based systems of services.

In Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Family Health (BFH) administers the Title V (MCH) Program.