DOH needs assessment finds housing, childcare and mental-health supports top priorities for mothers, children and families

Brad Close, a maternal and child health epidemiologist with the Washington State Department of Health, presented findings from the state’s five‑year Maternal and Child Health (Title V) needs assessment to the Home Visiting Advisory Committee. The assessment drew on interviews, local health jurisdiction reports and a wide “discovery” survey to map needs across perinatal, child, adolescent and special‑health‑care‑needs domains.

The assessment collected input from multiple sources and formats, Close said, including key‑informant interviews with local health jurisdictions, partner convenings and a broad discovery survey. “We got over 2,000 responses, and that’s — that’s after we limited it to Washington respondents, who who had something valid to say,” Close said, noting the discovery survey was offered in multiple languages to broaden participation.

Why it matters: Washington’s Title V block grant guides federal and state investments in maternal and child health. Close told the committee the findings will inform a…