FOR RELEASE: April 17, 2001
CONTACT: Dick Gunn
405/271-5601

Public Input Sought for Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant

Officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Health are seeking comments from the public regarding the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (Title V of the Social Security Act).

Public input is needed for the development of the grant's State Plan for Services for the 2002 fiscal year. The grant provides federal funds for the Maternal and Child Health program, whose primary goal is to improve the health status of mothers and children.

Funds from the block grant are used to assure that mothers and children, particularly those with low income or with limited availability of services, have access to quality maternal and child health services. The long-term outcomes for these services include the following:

• Reduce infant mortality and the incidence of preventable disease and handicapping conditions among children.
• Increase the number of children who are appropriately immunized.
• Provide rehabilitation services for blind and disabled individuals under the age of 16 not provided under other state or federal programs.
• Provide and promote family-centered, community-based, coordinated care for children with special health care needs.
• Facilitate the development of community-based systems of services for special needs children and their families.

To obtain a copy of the current plan for review, call the Family Health Services, Oklahoma State Department of Health, 405/271-4480, or visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health Web site to review the plan at: http://www.health.state.ok.us/program/mchs/.

Comments must be received before June 1, 2001. Comments should be forwarded to: Edd D. Rhoades, MD, Title V Director, Family Health Services, Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117; email: eddr@health.state.ok.us; or phone 405/271-4480.

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