ADPH seeks input on maternal and child healthcare needs

March 3, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) asks for the help of Alabamians to assess the health needs of women of childbearing age, infants, children, and youth in the state. One way the public can assist is by participating in an anonymous online survey that is to be completed by families, youth, and healthcare providers.

Other ways ADPH is collecting information are through focus groups, key informant interviews, and listening sessions hosted around the state by the UAB School of Public Health. The purpose of collecting this data is to ensure that public funds are being used wisely and to meet the requirements of the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant Program.

Allison Hatchett, Alabama Title V MCH Director, said, "Conducting a comprehensive, statewide MCH needs assessment provides a wealth of valuable information that is used to guide efforts aimed at improving the health and well-being of women and children in Alabama. We need women of childbearing age; individuals who are raising infants, children, and youth; teenagers and adolescents; and healthcare providers caring for these populations to complete the MCH needs assessment survey."

The anonymous survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and can be accessed online at http://www.ALMCHNeeds.com.

Survey findings will be used to identify priority health issues, assist with strategic planning, and outline the allocation of resources as these areas relate to the health and well-being of the maternal and child health population. A needs assessment is conducted every five years.

For more information, please go to https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/mch/or contact the Office of Maternal and Child Health toll-free at 1-800-654-1385 or by e-mail at mch@adph.state.al.us.