The mission of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is to provide leadership, in partnership with key stakeholders, to improve the physical, socio-emotional health, safety and wellbeing of the maternal and child health population which includes all of Kentucky's women, infants, children, adolescents and their families.
This mission is carried out in collaboration with partner agencies, primarily local health departments, other state agencies and universities to provide clinical and community-based services to the MCH population. State-level MCH staff supports services and infrastructure building through policy development and implementation, surveillance activities, technical assistance, consultation, training, education and case management.
Lifestyles - Pregnancy - Questions and answers regarding pregnancy, prenatal care, postpartum care
Kentucky Oral Health Program (KOHP) (formerly the Dental Health Program) has a long and proud history with the Department for Public Health. In 1928, Kentucky became the third state in the country with a public dental health program.
One of the program's major emphases is fluoridation. In 1951, Maysville became the first community in Kentucky to fluoridate its water supply. Fluoridation has continued successfully since then. Today approximately 96 percent of our citizens are on a fluoridated water supply, making Kentucky a national leader. The American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors have recognized Kentucky’s efforts.
The KOHP also offers a fluoride supplement program for preschool children whose home drinking water supply is fluoride deficient. The KOHP has health education materials available for the public and professionals.
Metabolic Foods and Formulas Program -
The Metabolic Foods and Formulas Program was established to help cover the cost of medically necessary modified foods and formulas for patients with inborn errors of metabolism who have: Newborn Screening Program - This program helps determine if a baby has certain health disorders through the newborn screening test done at the hospital shortly after birth.
Public Health Prenatal Program - Prenatal care is a core public health service. This program assures access to basic prenatal care for those pregnant women who qualify.