The phrase "maternal and child health," although widely used, does not capture the full range of factors that have an impact on the well-being of families. Among these factors, none is more important than the community. For this reason, Health Systems Research, Inc. (HSR), approaches maternal and child health in the context of the community: our focus is therefore on maternal, child, and community health (MCCH).

HSR believes that well-designed and effectively implemented research, policy analysis, and training and technical assistance (TA) focused on MCCH populations - women, mothers, infants, children, (including children with special health care needs) adolescents, and families - is essential for a number of reasons. Policy and program decisionmakers and stakeholders must have access to the information and skills needed to address current and emerging issues that affect the well-being of MCCH populations. As researchers learn more about the effect of early brain development on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and about the childhood antecedents of adult chronic diseases and conditions, it becomes even more important that decisionmakers have access to solid research and policy analysis. Likewise, providers need training and TA that is evidence driven, tailored to client need, and designed to get results.

HSR has an impressive record in MCCH research, policy analysis, and training and TA. Our clients include Federal agencies, States, national associations, foundations, and community organizations. We have worked with clients in every State, the District of Columbia, and several Territories. As a result, we have both a national perspective and an appreciation of State-specific issues. This allows us to design projects that meet the unique needs of every client and to use research, policy analysis, and TA to provide our clients with the results they want.