Maternal, Child, and Family Health

Our team works with community partners to create stronger systems, supporting parents’ and children’s health by focusing on prevention and early care.

Family enjoying a meal together with smiles and laughter

Ensuring all families have the opportunity to thrive

The Maternal, Child, and Family Health (MCFH) Program promotes access to quality health care services, including perinatal care, behavioral health screenings for children and parents, and care for children with special health care needs.

At the core of our mission, we work to strengthen families through improving system coordination in Adams County.

Our Current Priority Areas

Adams County families face financial and housing instability, lack of access to affordable childcare, and food insecurity, which increases the risk for mental health concerns. Early identification and timely intervention can help children thrive throughout their lives.
The MCFH team collaborates across systems to support a “whole child, whole family” approach to meet the needs of young children’s developmental, behavioral, health, and family support needs.
We participate in the Strengthening Families Partnership to identify strategies for strengthening systems of support for all children, youth, and their families, thereby improving access to high-quality, affordable services and supports that are responsive to needs.

In Colorado, the maternal mortality rate stands at 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. The leading causes of these tragic losses are suicide, accidental overdose, and obstetric complications, over 80% of which are considered preventable.
In response, the MCFH program is taking action in Adams County by prioritizing improved postpartum care. Our efforts focus on strengthening connections with vital resources such as behavioral health services, enhancing social support networks, promoting home visitation programs, and ensuring language access. By creating a more supportive and accessible environment, we aim to give every family the healthiest possible start.

Poverty can be a precursor to poor health in the U.S., and in Adams County, 12.8% of children live in poverty—a percentage that is too high for healthy overall development. Colorado is currently the 8th most expensive state for infant care, with families spending an average of 38% of their total income on child care each year. Overall health and well-being cannot be fully addressed without also helping families manage their basic expenses.
The MCFH team is working to address the systemic issues that affect Adams County families’ ability to make ends meet by advocating for an increased minimum wage, supporting workers, addressing the high cost of childcare, and expanding access to family tax credits. Our intention is for families in Adams County to sustain their lives and raise healthy, thriving children.