Comments on Needs Assessment Open Through March 31

The federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program is a partnership between the federal government and states which supports the health and well-being of all mothers, children, and families.

One of the beauties of the MCH block grant is states have wide guardrails on how they can spend the funds. In Arizona we’ve traditionally developed a plan every 5 years – using stakeholder input – about how to best leverage the money in the block grant.

The block grant is refreshing because so often federal grants come with strict criteria and leave little room for discretion. The Title V block grant isn’t that way. HRSA administers the grants to states.

Funds from the Title V MCH Block Grant help:

  • Assure access to quality maternal and child health care services to mothers and children, especially those with low incomes or limited availability of care;
  • Reduce infant mortality;
  • Provide access to prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to women, especially pregnant women who are low income and at-risk;
  • Increase regular screenings and follow-up diagnostic and treatment services for children who are low income;
  • Provide access to preventive and primary care services for children who are low income and rehabilitative services for children with special health needs;
  • Implement family-centered, community-based, systems of coordinated care for children with special health care needs; and
  • Set up toll-free hotlines and assistance with applying for services to pregnant women with infants and children eligible for Medicaid

ADHS is seeking input on how to spend the block grant funds via this online survey.  For example, this is a great opportunity to elevate oral health as we know inequitable access to oral health remains a key issue facing Arizona’s children and families. 

The survey will close on March 31, 2023. For more information about the grant program, visit ADHS‘ website.

Related Post