Maternal and Child Health Block Grant


The Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (MCHBG), Title V of the Social Security Act, is the only federal program that focuses solely on improving the health of all women, children and families. The MCHBG is funded through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). More information about Title V can be found on the HRSA Maternal Child Health Website. 

The MCHBG is a federal, state and local level partnership. It supports the core public health functions of resource development, capacity and systems building, public information and education, program linkage, and technical assistance to communities.

In federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025, 50 county public health departments accepted MCHBG funding to address a National or State Performance Measure. MCHBG funding also helps several state programs, such as: Fetal, Infant, Child & Maternal Mortality Review (FICMMR); Newborn Metabolic & Hearing Screening; Adolescent Health; Maternal & Child Health Coordination; Oral Health; Home Visiting; and Pregnancy Telehealth.

Select the link to download the FY2025 MCHBG Application and FY2023 Annual Report

Select the link to view National MCHBG Data.  

Select the link for additional Montana MCHBG Data.  

MCHBG Federal Funds to Montana

 

FY 2021

FY 2022

FY 2023

Total Federal Funds Received**

$2,281,008

$2,315,433

$2,322,470

Children’s Special Health Services*

$753,164

$773,939

$776,628

Local Health Departments

$1,055,830

$972,236

$1,004,000

State Programs

$243,914

$337,715

$402,214

Administration

$228,100

$231,543

$183,628

*Children’s Special Health Services must receive at least 30% of the MCH Block Grant

**States must provide a three dollar match for every four Federal dollars allocated.

Funds are awarded to local health departments to address one of the National Performance Measures or State Performance Measures.

People Served by the Montana MCH Program*

  • 4,247 pregnant women
  • 10,551 infants under one
  • 27,995 children and adolescents
  • 11,041 children with special health care needs
  • 4,990 others (especially women ages 22-44)

      58,824 Total Served

*2023 State/Jurisdiction Annual Reports Submitted to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

The MCHBG provides financial support to county health departments and state MCH programs. For FY2023, county public health departments addressed national and state performance measures in the following areas:

  • Access to Care and Public Health Services
  • Infant Safe Sleep
  • Family Support and Health Education
  • Medical Home
  • Oral Health
  • Bullying Prevention
  • Women's Preventive Healthcare / Annual Wellness Visit

State programs which receive funding support include:

  • Children's Special Health Services
  • Fetal, Infant, Child and Maternal Mortality Review
  • Newborn Metabolic and Hearing Screening
  • Adolescent Health
  • Maternal and Child Health Coordination
  • Oral Health
  • Primary Care Office

Select the link to download the 2025 Statewide 5-Year MCHBG Needs Assessment Summary

The federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant legislation requires the state to prepare and submit a statewide Needs Assessment every five years which identifies the specific needs for:
(1) Preventive and primary care services for pregnant women, mothers and infants up to age one;
(2) Preventive and primary care services for children; and
(3) Services for children with special health care needs (CSHCN).

The findings of the Statewide Five-Year Needs Assessment are expected to serve as the “drivers” in determining state Title V program priorities, and in developing a five-year Action Plan to address them. They should indicate where the greatest needs are for its MCH and CSHCN populations, and support services which can have a direct positive impact.

Based on its priority needs, as identified in the Five-Year Needs Assessment, the State is directed to select five of 15 possible National Performance Measures (NPMs) for programmatic emphasis over the five-year reporting period. In addition, the state was allowed to develop State Performance Measures (SPMs) to address unique needs not addressed by any of the NPMs.  Montana has two SPMs.

For More Information Contact:
Alison Mutz
Program Specialist 2
Early Childhood and Family Support Division
Phone: (406) 444-0276
E-mail:  Alison.Mutz@mt.gov