Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH)

The Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division supports the vision of the Center for Family Health by implementing strategies to improve health; support the development of children and adolescents; and foster health, well-being and equity across the reproductive life course.

Local funding for this program comes from the federal Title V Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant. The grant involves partnership on the federal, state, and local levels, and allows flexibility for local counties to address the unique needs of their MCAH populations.

Program Mission
The mission of the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program is to develop systems that protect and improve the health of California’s women of reproductive age, infants, children, adolescents, and their families.

Program Goals

All children are born healthy and to healthy mothers
All women, children, and their families have a safe and healthy environment to live in
All women, children, and their families have equal access to applicable and needed care within an integrated and seamless system
No health status disparities among racial/ethnic, gender, economic, and regional groups are encountered
The needs of these families are continually assessed so that the program meets the participant’s needs

Perinatal Care Guidance (PCG)

Are you pregnant? We can help.

Women Who Are Referred to the PCG Program Receive This Help

Finding a doctor for your pregnancy
A phone assessment by the PCG nurse to determine needs
WIC enrollment
Childbirth classes
Transportation information
Resources on nutrition, prenatal care, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, SIDS, and child development
Assistance with enrollment in Medi-Cal

SIDS and SUID

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than one year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation. These deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.

mother laying in bed holding newborn on chest

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that happens after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of people.

People with postpartum depression experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety, and may have trouble caring for their baby.

Little girl sitting on bench alone at playground

ACEs, Toxic Stress, & Resilience

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Childhood is a vulnerable time, and what happens to us then has long deep impacts. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) describe traumatic experiences that can have lasting effects into adulthood.

The more ACEs someone experiences, the more challenging they may be to overcome.

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy

Marijuana use during pregnancy is a controversial topic with limited research available. However, most medical professionals advise against using marijuana during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus.