For the last decade, maternal and child health problems have occupied a prominent place on state and Federal health policy agendas. As a result, significant improvements have been made in maternal and child health status in many areas, including a continuing decline in the infant mortality rate, an increase in immunization rates for 2-year-olds, and a decline in teen birth rates.

However, many problems persist and new ones have emerged. To meet these challenges, many policymakers and program administrators have turned to HSR for assistance in policy analysis, evaluation and training. Our Internet-based information dissemination activities as well as direct state-level technical assistance have been important resources for Federal, state and local program staff.

Examples of our work in this area include:

Analysis and Technical Support to State MCH Agencies

Under a series of Federal contacts, HSR has provided technical assistance to states in their efforts to address current and emerging MCH issues, including managed care, development of outcomes measures, and integrating services with new Children's Health Insurance Programs.

Access to Family Planning in Managed Medicaid Environments

With a grant from a national foundation, HSR is conducting a 50-state interview study to assess and analyze the impact of managed care arrangements on access to family planning and maternity services.

The MCH Information Resource Center

HSR operates the Maternal and Child Health Information Resource Center (MCHIRC) which is designed to enhance the capacity of Federal, state and local MCH programs in developing, accessing, and using data for policy and program planning. In addition to resources accessible on the Web (www.mchirc.net), HSR conducts DataSpeak, a regular series of national audio and Internet-based conferences on state-of-the-art research and best practices in the field.

For further information, please contact:

Judith Gallagher, R.N., Ed.M., M.P.A.
Director, Maternal, Child and Community Health Division
Health Systems Research, Inc.
(202) 828-5100

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