Colorado

Statewide Programs

Colorado Maternal and Child Health Program: This program is housed within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and collaborates with various state agencies, local public health departments, and community partners to implement strategies that impact Colorado's MCH priorities. These services include:

• Women's Health Initiatives: Programs such as WISEWOMAN and Women's Wellness Connection provide preventive health services, including screenings and education, to promote women's health.Pregnancy Support: Resources are available to support health during pregnancy, addressing topics like healthy weight gain, gestational diabetes, smoking cessation, and pregnancy-related depression and anxiety.
• Breastfeeding Promotion: Initiatives aimed at encouraging and supporting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• Unintended Pregnancy Prevention: Efforts to reduce unintended pregnancies through education and access to contraceptive methods.
• Provider Resources: Materials and resources for healthcare providers to support patient care before, during, and after pregnancy.

Additionally, the MCH program conducts needs assessments and collaborates with community advisory boards to ensure that services meet the evolving needs of Colorado's families.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: A federal assistance program that provides nutritional support, education, and resources to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.

Healthy Expectations Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program

Offered by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, this program provides specialized support for pregnant and postpartum (up to one year postpartum) individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or mood challenges. It offers therapy, parenting assistance, and infant support, creating a space for connection and comprehensive care during the perinatal period.

PROSPER (Perinatal Resource Supporting Obstetric Screening, Psychiatric Education, Equity, and Referral): PROSPER is Colorado's perinatal health and substance use consult line, offering free statewide psychiatric support and referrals to healthcare clinicians working with pregnant and postpartum individuals. This program aims to enhance the capacity of healthcare providers to address perinatal mental health and substance use concerns effectively.

Prenatal Plus Program: This is a Medicaid-funded care coordination program for pregnant women at risk of poor birth outcomes due to socioeconomic challenges such as drug use, smoking, high level of stress while pregnant and so on. The services include nutrition counseling, mental health support, and social work services.

Home Visiting

HEAD START: provides early education for 3-5 year-old children, parent involvement and family support, and comprehensive health and nutrition education for children. EARLY HEAD START serves women who are pregnant and children Birth to 3 years old.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP): Connects first-time, low-income mothers with registered nurses who provide home visits until the child's second birthday. This evidence-based program has been associated with improvements in maternal and child health outcomes as it empowers first-time moms to transform their lives and create better futures for themselves and their babies.