MISSION STATEMENT

The Maternal, Child and Family Health Coalition unites and mobilizes key stakeholders to improve maternal, child and family health in the St. Louis Region.

Members participate in the MCFH Coalition because it plays a meaningful role in setting the maternal, child and family health agenda. The MCFH Coalition's programs are action oriented and promote measurable progress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The St. Louis Maternal, Child and Family Health Coalition is the result of a Children's Agenda organized by the St. Louis based Vision for Children at Risk (VCR). The Children's Agenda initiative provides a framework for the St. Louis area to pursue strategic, coordinated community action that promotes the well being of all area children.

With approximately 500 individuals representing over 150 agencies and consumer groups, the coalition provides a vehicle for systematically examining and addressing issues related to the quality and effectiveness of maternal and child health care in the St. Louis region. The Maternal, Child and Family Health Coalition has the support of the St. Louis City, County and State Departments of Health, and consists of health care systems, private, public and religious organizations and providers concerned with particular aspects of maternal/child health.

The function of the coalition is to promote and share best practice strategies and to increase coordination and communication between community agencies, other coalitions and the healthcare systems. Through this effort, better programs and services can be developed, particularly for at-risk, low-income women and infants in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The coalition is currently concentrating on three issues: infant mortality, health care access and utilization for low-income women and children, and coalition coordination and advocacy for children. The ultimate goal is decreased infant mortality and improved health of mothers and infants in the St. Louis area.

VALUE STATEMENTS

1. In recognition of the diverse population in the St. Louis region, as well as the coalition membership, we respect the unique experiences, knowledge and beliefs of individuals, families and organizations.



2. The St. Louis region has the right to expect quality, evidence based health services, delivered by qualified providers who are accountable to the consumer.



3. We value advocacy that includes education, policy development, and empowerment as a means of supporting the health and well being of all families.



4. All families have the equal right to barrier free access to a broad spectrum of information and community services that support health and wellness.



5. All consumers have the right to self-determination and inclusion in decision making processes that affect their health and well being.



6. We acknowledge the central role of families in promoting the well being of their members.