Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program
What is MCAH?
The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) programs aim to improve the maternal, infant, child, and adolescent health of residents of Tulare County. In addition, it aims to increase access to health care for childbearing-age women, pregnant/postpartum women, infants, children, and youth with special health care needs.
Home Visiting Programs
Perinatal Wellness Program
The Perinatal Wellness Program (PWP) will assign a case manager to a woman who is showing signs/symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) based on her score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening tool. To qualify for PWP services a woman must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Tulare County
- Receive a score of 12 or greater or (+) on question #10 of the EPDS
- Be pregnant or less than one year post-delivery
Prenatal Substance Exposure Program
Any pregnant woman with any of the following factors will be identified as having a baby at risk for alcohol or other drug exposure and will be eligible for referral to the Prenatal Substance Exposure Program (PSEP) if she meets the following criteria:
- Is a resident of Tulare County
- Has had any positive urine drug screen during current pregnancy
- And/or client admits substance use or abuse, including prescription drugs and/or alcohol, during current pregnancy
High-Risk Infant Program
Provides case management, assessment, and referrals for early intervention services for infants and children ages 0–3 with special health care needs
Drug-Exposed Infant Program
Any infant or child, from birth to one year of age, having any of the following risk factors is eligible for referral:
- Positive urine drug screen during prenatal care or at delivery
- Any maternal admission of substance use or abuse, including prescription drugs or alcohol, during the pregnancy
Case Management and Disease Investigation for Pregnant Women and Women of Childbearing Age
In Tulare County, women of childbearing age accounted for an average of 264 cases of gonorrhea per year from 2014–2016. In addition, rates of syphilis among women and congenital syphilis in Tulare County have increased in the past years. In 2016, the incidence rate of early syphilis among females was 10.7 per 100,000, surpassing California's incidence rate of 6.7.
A nurse case manager provides education to women of childbearing age and pregnant women diagnosed with gonorrhea and syphilis. In conjunction with primary care providers, the nurse case manager will ensure women receive appropriate treatment to prevent complication during pregnancy.
Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP): Provides a holistic approach of health care to low-income pregnant women and babies. Tulare County’s perinatal wellness coordinator assists medical providers with state CPSP enrollment and collaborates with different coalitions to ensure pregnant women of Tulare County receive comprehensive care to promote a healthy birth outcome.
Nurse-Family Partnership matches first time pregnant mothers with their own personal nurse. Nurse-Family Partnership goals are to:
- Improve pregnancy outcomes by helping women engage in good preventive health practices, including thorough prenatal care from their health care providers, improving their diets and reducing their use of cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal substances
- Improve child health and development by helping parents provide responsible and competent care
- Improve the economic self-sufficiency of the family by helping parents develop a vision for their own future, plan future pregnancies, continue their education, and find work.
Safe Asleep Program:
Car Seat Safety Program:
Related Documents & Links
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- MCAH Referral Form
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Click on the above link to access the MCAH Referral Form.
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- Nurse-Family Partnership Brochure
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Click above to access information about the Nurse-Family Partnership program.
