FOR RELEASE:

September 4, 2019 MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Dukes

Public Information Manager

Office of Communications

(405) 271-5601

JamieD@health.ok.gov STAY CONNECTED!

#HealthyOklahoma

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Public Input Requested for Maternal and Child Health Services The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is requesting input from the public to assist in developing a state plan for maternal and child health services. The plan will establish goals and action items for years 2021-2025. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant, Title V of the Social Security Act, is the only federal-state partnership program devoted to improving the health of all women, children and families. In 2018, Oklahoma served approximately 1.3 million women and children with programs focused on important issues like reducing infant and maternal mortality, teen pregnancy prevention, infant safe sleep, children with special health care needs and family involvement. Oklahoma’s current MCH priorities include reducing the number of babies who die before their first birthday, reducing injuries among children, improving the mental and behavioral health of women and children and reducing unplanned pregnancies. However, the program needs help from Oklahomans to determine if these issues still need funds or if there are other, more urgent needs, impacting health for women and children in the state where monies should be spent. To establish goals and priorities for the upcoming grant period, state health officials are requesting the public’s input to a brief online survey available in English and Spanish. Questions on the survey discuss topics such as health needs before, during and after pregnancy; infant health and services for children with special health care needs. Suzi Harman is the coordinator of the public input survey at OSDH. The project collaborates with the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services and the Oklahoma Family Network. “We need feedback that will represent all populations and backgrounds,” said Harman. “That is the only way to ensure our future plans and programs help every woman and child in the state.” For more information about Title V programs or completing the survey, contact the OSDH Maternal and Child Health Service at (405) 271-4480. ###