MCHnow: Advancing MCH Leadership Skills

MCH Leadership Competency 1: MCH Knowledge Base & Public Health Context

Introduction

Laying the Groundwork: Understanding MCH Within the Public Health Landscape...

MCH Knowledge Base and Public Health Context is the cornerstone competency that provides leaders with a comprehensive understanding of maternal and child health within the broader public health field. This foundational knowledge supports your ability to make informed decisions, develop effective strategies, and ultimately improve MCH outcomes.

In MCH, we focus on specific population domains including pregnant individuals, infants, children, adolescents, young adults, fathers/caregivers, and children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). We emphasize both individual and community/systems-level approaches and utilize a life course perspective.

MCHnow provides a jump start to MCH Knowledge Base and Public Health Context through a Ready-Set-Go approach. Use the following resources to start your learning, dig deeper, and move from knowledge to practice.

READY: Start With the Basics of MCH

Watch this short video to gain an introduction to the competency.

Read more. The MCH Knowledge Base/Public Health Context competency is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of maternal and child health within the broader public health field. This foundational knowledge supports your ability to make informed decisions, develop effective strategies, and ultimately improve MCH outcomes.

MCH is a specialized area within public health promoting the health of mothers, children, and families. It addresses specific population domains including pregnant individuals, infants, children, adolescents, young adults, fathers/caregivers, and children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). MCH emphasizes both individual and community/systems-level approaches and utilizes a life course perspective.

As MCH leaders, thoroughly understanding MCH populations, programs, and principles allows us to:

• Understand the needs of MCH populations
• Navigate key MCH programs and policies
• Apply core MCH values like prevention, and family-centered care
• Recognize how different factors impact MCH outcomes

Core knowledge areas include:

• MCH populations and programs (including Title V)
• MCH values (prevention, improved health outcomes, family-centered care)
• Social determinants of health in MCH contexts
• Evidence-informed practice in MCH The intersection of public health and clinical strategies in MCH

SET: Expand your Knowledge with Trainings and Resources

Deepen your understanding of MCH Knowledge Base/Public Health Context with these trainings and resources:

• Life Course Perspective in MCH [20 min]: Explore Life Course Theory's role in MCH and factors influencing health outcomes.
• Understanding MCH History and Systems [60 min]: Explore Title V evolution and leadership strategies.
• Exploring MCH Policy and the Policy Process [60 min]: Essential knowledge for policy development and implementation.

GO: Apply Your Knowledge with Practical Tools

Use these tools to bridge theory and practice, ensuring your MCH knowledge drives meaningful public health impact:

• MCH Needs Assessment Toolkit: Translate your MCH knowledge into actionable priorities and plans.
• MCH Library: Apply evidence-based MCH resources to develop and implement effective public health strategies.