MCH Block Grant

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant to States Program is a formula grant provided to states through federal allocation. It was established by Title V of the Social Security Act of 1935. To receive funds, states must submit an application and report annually. This document outlines how funds will be used to support the legislatively-defined MCH populations during the application year, and describes the successes and challenges of the report year.

Legislatively-defined MCH populations:

• Preventive and primary care services for pregnant women, mothers, and infants up to age one
• Preventive and primary care services for children, 1- 21 years of age
• Services for children with special health care needs, 0 – 21 years of age

In Tennessee, the Department of Health's Division of Family Health and Wellness is responsible for administering the grant. Dr. Tobi Amosun, Interim Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Family Health and Wellness, serves as the MCH Director for the grant.

This grant plays a key role in the provision of maternal and child health services in Tennessee. Funds from this grant are distributed among a number of programs that work to improve the health of women, infants, children, adolescents, and children with special health care needs in Tennessee.