The University of Michigan's School of Public Health has been granted a substantial $1.8 million award to establish a pioneering Center of Excellence for Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. This five-year initiative, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, is set to revolutionize the maternal and child health workforce by addressing critical deficiencies and fostering enhanced collaborative efforts.

This significant funding marks a pivotal moment for maternal and child well-being, particularly in the United States, which grapples with alarming maternal mortality rates and persistent health inequities. The new center will concentrate on cultivating a robust workforce, nurturing collaborations between academic and practical spheres, and meticulously evaluating its impact to ensure sustainable improvements in maternal and child health outcomes.

Advancing Interdisciplinary Training in Maternal and Child Health

In a strategic move to address the pressing need for specialized professionals in maternal and child health, the University of Michigan's School of Public Health is set to launch a comprehensive, school-wide Certificate in Maternal Child Health. This innovative program, the first of its kind at the university, will equip graduate students from all six academic departments with interdisciplinary training aligned with national leadership standards in the field. The curriculum is meticulously designed to not only impart theoretical knowledge but also to provide invaluable hands-on experience through strategic partnerships with community health organizations and local government agencies.

The certificate program, which anticipates enrolling a minimum of 25 students annually, will integrate rigorous academic coursework with practical, real-world application. Students will engage in maternal and child health-focused experiences, including internships with public health agencies, research projects addressing pressing health challenges, and community service initiatives. These opportunities are bolstered by collaborations with key partners such as the Washtenaw County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Furthermore, the Center of Excellence is committed to ensuring student success by offering comprehensive support, including financial aid for students with demonstrated need and those from underrepresented backgrounds. This support encompasses internship stipends, doctoral funding for dissertation research, tuition assistance for master's students, and dedicated departmental financial allocations. Beyond the certificate program, the center aims to engage at least 50 additional students each year through coursework, applied practice, or research activities, while also enhancing the existing Maternal and Child Health Student Association through expanded programming and the elimination of membership fees. This holistic approach underscores the university's dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders in maternal and child health.

Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships and Sustaining Impact

A cornerstone of the new Center of Excellence is its unwavering commitment to forging and strengthening alliances between the academic community and practicing maternal and child health professionals. The initiative plans to establish or reinforce partnerships with at least ten maternal and child health agencies. Through these collaborations, the center will offer crucial technical assistance and contribute to policy development by leveraging applied research and student-led projects. This strategic focus ensures that academic insights are translated into tangible benefits, addressing critical community needs and enriching the practical experience of future public health leaders.

The program is spearheaded by distinguished faculty experts from all six academic departments within Michigan Public Health, with each department designating a Maternal and Child Health Departmental Faculty Lead. These leaders are tasked with mentoring students and developing cutting-edge coursework, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and impactful. Additionally, the initiative will introduce a formal Maternal and Child Health Public Health faculty designation, providing recognition and support for faculty members with significant expertise in the field. This comprehensive approach ensures the program's long-term viability and impact. The Center of Excellence is dedicated to creating a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled maternal and child health professionals equipped to address the complex needs of mothers and children. The program will meticulously track the career progression of its graduates for five years, assessing the enduring influence of their training. Crucially, research findings, innovative training methodologies, and curriculum advancements will be disseminated to other institutions nationwide, broadening the program's reach and fostering a ripple effect of positive change across the country. The University of Michigan joins an esteemed cohort of institutions, including the University of California Berkeley, Harvard University, Emory University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in receiving this highly competitive award, with funding secured from 2025 through 2030.