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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.
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 ranked 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
age 1) – 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 age 5. 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. This publication is in stock.
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
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
The Texas Department of State Health Services does not
endorse external links to other websites. These links are informational and may
not be accessible to persons with disabilities.