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The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in
monitoring the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) that is causing an
outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide. Visit our website to learn more.
New Resources for Parents and Caregivers
The CDC has new resources to help with stress and
coping for parents and caregivers. CDC also has advice for protecting mental and social health for children and young people.
Stay on Track with Vaccines
Since the coronavirus outbreak, there has been a significant drop in well-child visits. Holding off on doctor’s visits can delay vaccines, screenings, and necessary referrals.
For
children younger
than age 2, it is necessary to continue well-child
appointments. Postponing vaccines may result in avoidable illnesses and
disease. Delaying well-child screenings can cause missed treatment
opportunities.
Some doctors offer appointments via phone or video when appropriate.
However, there are times when in-person visits are necessary. If you are unsure
whether your child’s vaccines are up to date, call your child's doctor.
Maternal and
Child Health
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) aims to
improve the health of women of childbearing age, adolescents, children,
infants, and children with special health care needs. Our staff supports the
development of family-centered, community-based, coordinated systems of care.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is part of the Social Security Act (SSA) which
began in 1935. It is one of the largest federal block grant programs. SSA was the start of the federal government's
support to states to improve the health of mothers and children. In 1981, MCH
became a block grant program. This resulted in a merge of seven categorical
programs into one block grant. MCH has changed over time but maintains the
focus on maternal and child health and well-being.
Recently, MCH has ranked our priorities based on the needs of
Texas. The list of priorities will support our vision and reflect the needs
across Texas. The process includes a team approach by including MCH
stakeholders, especially families. MCH has also arranged our webpages according
to age groups and related programs:
Women’s and Infant Health – Women (ages 18-44) and Infants (birth
to 1 years old) – see our programs and information about Healthy Texas Mothers
and Babies, Breastfeeding, Women’s and Maternal Health, Perinatal Depression,
Parenting, Provider Resources, Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, and related
resources.
Child Health – Children 1 to 12 years old – see our programs and information
about MedCARES, Help Me
Grow Texas, parenting, and related resources.
Adolescent
Health – Youth 10 to 24 years old – see our programs and information about Texas Youth Action Network,
our Rape Prevention and Education grant, information for Health Care Providers,
Parents, Teens, Adolescent Resources, and other related resources.
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) – Children birth to 21 years old who
have a medical issue that may impact their health – see our programs and
information about Community Contractors, Transition, Medical Home, provider
information, resources for contractors, and related resources.
The Association of Maternal & Child Health
Programs (AMCHP) is an
important partner in our work. AMCHP is a national resource, partner, and
advocate for DSHS MCH leaders.
Publications available through Maternal and Child Health:
A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy,
Happy Children
The guide provides information about the development, health,
and safety of children from birth to 5 years old. As per House Bill 1240,
enacted by the 81st Legislative Session, a physical copy of the guide is
available for free to providers who provide prenatal care or deliver an infant
of a pregnant woman enrolled in Medicaid. Eligible providers include staff of hospitals
and birthing centers, as well as physicians, nurse midwives, and midwives.
This guide is designed for Medicaid-enrolled women receiving the
above-mentioned services, the father of the infant, or another adult caregiver.
The guide is offered in English and Spanish.
For eligible providers, you can order the guide here: http://ebestpress.com/
For those who are not eligible and would still like an
electronic copy, you can download the guide in .pdf format here:
For a reference to the
Health and Safety Code, Section 161.501-161.502, click the following
link: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.161.htm#161.501
Information for Parents of
Newborns
According to
Texas law, physicians, certified nurse midwives, direct entry midwives, hospitals,
and birthing centers that provide prenatal care to a pregnant woman during
gestation or at delivery will provide the woman with information on
immunization, newborn screening, postpartum depression and shaken baby
syndrome.
You can get
this pamphlet in .pdf format by downloading it from here:
- English (Revised Jan.
2016) (454KB PDF)
- Spanish (Revised Feb
2016) (6166K PDF)
Or you may order
it directly through the HHSC Warehouse at http://hhsc.mypinnaclecart.com/ or call them at (512) 250-7162 for assistance with your order. The
stock numbers are: #1-316 –
English; #1-316a - Spanish. As of Oct. 21, this publication is out of stock and will be available in the coming weeks. DSHS will post on this webpage when the publication becomes in stock. In the meantime, access the electronic version at the links below. Thank you for your patience.
Safe Sleep For Babies
MCH partnered
with the Department of Family & Protective Services to create a “Safe Sleep
Checklist” and public service announcement (PSA). The checklist can be printed
out for any parent who wants to check their baby’s sleep environment for
safety. Providers may also want to keep copies in their waiting room.
You can download
the booklet in .pdf format here:
Safe Sleep for Babies: Safe Sleep
Checklist
(41Kb, PDF, Viewing Information)
You can view the
PSA here:
Safer Sleep for Babies: Precautions for
All Parents and Infants
(977Kb, PDF, Viewing
Information)
Safe Sleep for Babies: A
Community Training
DSHS and the
Department of Family & Protective Services developed a training for talking
with parents, grandparents, and caregivers about the best practices for safe
infant sleep. This training manual can be used by service providers of all
types. It is formatted in a train-the-trainer style with frequently asked
questions, tips about presenting information to parents, and caregivers and
parent handouts. Topics covered include myths and facts about safe sleep; crib
safety; and how to talk with grandparents, day care staff, and babysitters
about safe sleep. Materials may be used in a workshop or classroom type setting
or portions may be taken for use in an office or home visit as needed.
You can get the
training guide in .pdf format by downloading it here:
Umbilical Cord Blood Banking and
Donation Brochure
HB
709 requires physicians
(and other people permitted by law to attend a pregnant woman during gestation
or at delivery of an infant) to provide the woman with the Umbilical Cord Blood
Banking brochure before the third trimester of the woman’s pregnancy or as soon
as reasonably feasible.
You can get this
brochure in .pdf format by downloading it from here:
You may order it
by calling the HHSC Warehouse at http://hhsc.mypinnaclecart.com/ or call them at (512) 250-7162. The stock numbers are: #6-73 –
English; #6-73A - Spanish
Participating
Cord Blood Hospitals and Banks
Food, Fun and Games: Healthy
Activities for Children in Child Care
In child care,
teaching opportunities abound! Our booklet provides examples of low to no-cost
activities that encourage nutrition and physical activity into daily routines.
You can download
the booklet in .pdf format here: Food,
Fun and Games (7025Kb,
PDF, Viewing
Information)
Or you may order
it directly through the HHSC Warehouse at http://hhsc.mypinnaclecart.com/ or call them at (512) 250-7162 for assistance with your order. The
stock number is: # 1-182
Trainings and
resources available for MCH professionals:
Resources for
Child Care Providers Online Training Modules
Texas AgriLife
offers FREE online courses on topics ranging from safe sleep to
nutrition to breastfeeding. They are relevant for all types of caregivers – child
care staff, parents, teachers, health care professionals. Some courses are
multilingual - available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Visit AgriLife’s website
for a list of all the courses here.
Title V
Fee-For-Service: Prenatal contractors may provide care and bill Title
V for two visits if the pregnant woman is in the process of applying for and
enrolling in the CHIP Perinatal Program application process. Visit our Health
and Human Services Commission’s website here for more
information.
CHIP Perinatal
Information: Current Information can be found on the HHSC website: https://chipmedicaid.org/en/CHIP-Perinatal
Children’s
Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Texas families with uninsured children may be
eligible for health insurance through Children's Medicaid and CHIP (Children's
Health Insurance Program). For more information and to apply, visit the CHIP Website
Raise Awareness of National Suicide Prevention: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national, 24-hour,
toll-free suicide prevention service available to all those in suicidal crisis
who are seeking help. Individuals seeking help can dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Locate
answers to many frequently asked questions regarding the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline. Find out more.
For more information about Maternal and Child Health in Texas, please contact
us at:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Maternal & Child Health
PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1922
Austin, TX 78714-9347
(512) 776-7373: Phone
(512) 458-7658: Fax
TitleV@dshs.texas.gov
External links to other sites are intended to be
informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State
Health Services. These external links may not be accessible to persons with
disabilities.