FOR RELEASE: March 10 , 2006
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Public Input Sought for Title V Maternal
and Child Health Block Grant

Officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Health are seeking comments from the public regarding a federal grant that provides important health services to mothers and children.

Public input is needed for the development of a State Plan for Services for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (Title V of the Social Security Act) for the 2007 fiscal year. The grant provides federal funds for the Maternal and Child Health program, whose primary goal is to improve the health status of pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children, including children with special health care needs. Funds from the block grant assure that these groups, particularly those with low income or with limited availability of services, have access to quality maternal and child health care services.

The long-term outcomes for these services include the following:
· Significantly reduce infant mortality.
· Provide comprehensive care for women before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth.
· Provide preventive and primary care services for infants and children.
· Provide comprehensive care for infants and children with special health needs.
· Facilitate immunization of all infants and children.
· Reduce adolescent pregnancy.
· Prevent injury and violence.

Put into community practice national standards and guidelines for prenatal care, for healthy and safe child care, and for the health supervision of infants and children.
Assure access to care for all mothers, infants and children.
Meet the nutritional and developmental needs of mothers, infants, children and their families.

A copy of the current plan may be viewed by visiting the Oklahoma State Department of Health Web site at www.health.ok.gov. Comments must be received before May 1, 2006. Comments should be forwarded to: Suzanna D. Dooley, M.S., A.R.N.P., Title V MCH Director, Maternal and Child Health Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117; email: suzannad@health.ok.gov or phone 405/271-4480.

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