Maternal and Child Health Advisory Board

    The Maternal & Child Health Advisory Board (MCHAB) consists of nine members to be appointed by the State Board of Health from a list of persons provided from the Administrator of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health as well as two nonvoting members appointed by the Legislative Commission; one who is a member of the Senate and one who is a member of the Assembly. (See NRS 442.133)

      The Advisory Board provides comprehensive advice and guidance to the State Division of Public and Behavioral Health to ensure the enhancement and development of vital services to promote the healthy birth, growth and development of Nevada’s children. Per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) the Board advises the Administrator of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health “concerning perinatal care to enhance the survivability and health of infants and mothers, and concerning initiatives to improve the health of preschool children.” Every effort is made to ensure that the State Maternal and Child Health Advisory Board is representative of Nevada’s population both culturally and geographically while including a broad range of disciplines and interests, including parent representation.

        The State Title V /Maternal and Child Health Program is housed in the Bureau of Child, Family and Community Wellness within the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. The goal of the State Maternal and Child Health Program is to improve the health of families, specifically pregnant women, infants, children and adolescents, including Children with Special Health Care Needs. The Program is funded by Title V of the Social Security Act, the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. This federal legislation, which dates back to 1935, calls for services that are “comprehensive, coordinated, family-centered, community-based, and culturally appropriate.”