Our Commitment to Maternal and Child Health

In Illinois, we are dedicated to the health and well-being of all mothers, infants, and children. This includes children with special health care needs. Our Office of Women’s Health and Family Services is in charge of this. We have a special program called the Maternal and Child Health Services Title V Block Grant. This program helps us take care of everyone’s health.

What is the MCH Title V Block Grant?

The Maternal and Child Health Services (MCH) Title V Block Grant is a partnership between the federal government and our state. It started way back in 1935 and is part of the Social Security Act. Its main goal is to improve the health and well-being of all mothers, infants, and children. This is especially important for children with special health care needs. Each year, we have to apply for funding and report on how we’ve used the money. This keeps us accountable and ensures we’re doing our best.

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Your Rights During Pregnancy and Childbirth

In Illinois, every woman has certain rights during pregnancy and childbirth. These rights are protected by the Medical Patient Rights Act. This means you have the right to receive health care before, during, and after pregnancy. You can choose your maternity care professional and where you want to give birth. You also have the right to privacy, to be informed about your condition and treatment, and to be treated with respect at all times.

Benefits:

1. Access to Quality Care: We ensure that all women, especially those of reproductive age, receive preventive and primary care.

2. Improved Birth Outcomes: Through our programs, we aim to support healthy pregnancies and improve birth outcomes.

3. Integrated Services: We facilitate the integration of services within patient-centered medical homes, especially for children with special health care needs.

Our Priorities for Maternal and Child Health

We have set priorities for improving the health of mothers and children in Illinois. These priorities were developed with the help of experts and are based on the needs of our population. They include assuring access to care, supporting healthy pregnancies, integrating early childhood services, and empowering adolescents to adopt healthy behaviors. We also focus on equity in health care and partner with families and communities in decision-making.