This week our team completed and turned in our 2010 MCH Needs Assessment for the Title V Maternal & Child Health Block Grant (about $7M/year).  The federal Title V program requires us conduct a comprehensive needs assessments every 5 years that identifies state maternal and child health needs and prioritizes them for strategic planning. While needs assessment is always part of an ongoing planning cycle, the 5 year needs assessment is an opportunity to formally examine trends and issues, review progress and set priorities for the next 5 years.

The statewide needs assessment identifies the need for: 1) preventive and primary care services for pregnant women, women of reproductive age and infants up to age one year; 2) preventive and primary care services for children; and 3) family-centered, community-based services for CSHCN and their families.  Thanks to all of you in our Bureau of Women’s & Children’s Health and the Office of Children with Special Health Care Needs for your hard work on this important planning document. Well done.