The Health Department’s Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health (MCFH) works to empower all Philadelphia mothers, children, and families so that they live can healthy lives. To help eliminate racial health disparities and lift community voices, MCFH builds coalitions, gathers and evaluates data, works on policy and advocacy, runs public health campaigns, provides direct services, and builds community capacity.

When addressing the biggest issues affecting Philadelphia mothers, families, and children, MCFH convenes coalitions that include lived-experience experts, community organizations, healthcare professionals, policy advocates, and governmental organizations. Some of those big issues are maternal mortality and morbidity, infant mortality, children and youth with special healthcare needs, and adolescent mental and reproductive health.

MCFH also collects, analyzes, and shares data related to maternal, family, and child health. The division gathers and examines important health statistics on topics that affect maternal and family health, such as prenatal care, smoking, mental health, and breastfeeding. MCFH uses that information to develop services and help other City departments best serve families throughout Philadelphia.

In addition, MCFH offers direct services, education, and resources to promote the health and wellbeing of families and children. All direct services are at no cost to families. The services MCFH provides are:

• Breastfeeding and infant feeding counseling and support.
• Free crib distribution and safe infant sleep education.
• Home visiting for pregnant families and families with children.
• Doula support for parents with a history of substance use disorder.
• Mental, sexual, and reproductive health services and education for adolescents.
• Support to children with special health care needs and their families.
• Mental and emotional support and resources for pregnant and postpartum people.

Recently, the MCFH team announced funding for one of its newest initiatives, the Philly Joy Bank. The Philly Joy Bank is a pilot program that will provide a monthly guaranteed income for approximately 250 pregnant Philadelphians with the aim of reducing racial disparities in birth outcomes. This no-strings-attached program respects the dignity and autonomy of participants and allows them the freedom to use the funds as they determine to best address their needs.