Making Maternal Child Health a Population Health Priority in Maryland

Tina L Cheng

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2022.09.010

Making Maternal Child Health a Population Health Priority in Maryland

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 Feb;70(1):53-65. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2022.09.010.

Author

Tina L Cheng¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 3016, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. Electronic address: Tina.Cheng@cchmc.org.

PMID: 36402471
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2022.09.010

Abstract

This case study illustrates state legislative advocacy in action in Maryland. Success in strengthening maternal and child health is described using the Academic Pediatric Association's 4-step approach to advocacy: (1) Identify the Issue and Target Audience; (2) Craft the Message; (3) Develop Relationships and Coalitions, and (4) Communicate the Message. Starting with state legislation and formation of a Maryland Maternal Child Health Task Force led to maternal child health named as 1 of 3 state population health priorities. This guided subsequent programmatic investment and attention. Further dissemination of task force recommendations has led to additional supportive legislation.

Keywords: Advocacy; Child health; Health policy; Legislation; Maternal; Medicaid; Politics; State.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Child Health
Health Priorities*
Humans
Maryland
Population Health*