Maternal & Child Health Policy & Research Center

Driving policy solutions that create
lasting change for maternal & infant health

Through evidence-based policy research and community collaboration, we work to shift the social, physical and economic factors that shape health, pregnancy and parenting experiences across Northeast Florida

Funding provided by
Health Resources and Services Administration
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Reducing disparities,
improving outcomes

Launched in 2022 with support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), we are one of only four Healthy Start organizations nationwide selected for this five-year, multimillion-dollar initiative. Together, we’re shaping evidence-based policies that reduce disparities and advance infant health equity.

Making a real difference

5

Year multimillion-dollar
HRSA initiative

20+

Policymakers engaged
for advocacy

3

Policy briefs developed
in 2024

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Our priority
focus areas

By addressing six focus areas, we combine policy, education, and community engagement to reduce infant mortality, expand prenatal and reproductive care, improve adolescent health, and empower leaders to create healthier family outcomes.

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Reducing infant mortality

Developing policies that address the root causes of preventable infant deaths

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Expanding family planning access

Removing barriers to comprehensive reproductive health services

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Expanding leadership development

Growing enrollment in the Make a Difference! Leadership Academy for community change

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Strengthening communication

Improving physician-patient relationships and care quality

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Promoting adolescent health services

Advancing policies that improve preventive health access for young people

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Increasing prenatal care access

Working toward 80.5% early prenatal care participation through policy solutions

Our collaborative partners

The MCHPRC works closely with the Maternal Infant Child Adolescent Health Committee (MICAH) and community partners including:

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Ready to join the movement?

Connect with our research and policy team to discover how you can contribute to evidence-based solutions that improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Northeast Florida.

How we’ve made a difference

Firsthand accounts from families who have found hope, support and lasting change through our programs and services.

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