The Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, also known as MCFH, has changed its name to the Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health (ReACH).
“This is a critical moment for Philadelphia to reaffirm our commitment to all facets of reproductive health throughout the life course,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia Health Commissioner. “We are also redoubling our efforts to support health during adolescence, which is a crucial time for shaping physical and mental health.”
“This new division name reflects the true breadth of the work we do,” said Dr. Aasta Mehta, Director of the Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health. “Our new name makes it clear that we serve women, birthing Philadelphians, children, and teens—and that we’re committed to supporting their health from childhood through adolescence into adulthood, pregnancy, parenting, and beyond.”
The updated name reflects the Division’s deepened commitment to addressing the unique needs of adolescents. It also reinforces the division’s continued focus on reproductive justice and health equity at every life stage, reflected by recent initiatives such as:
- Financial support for organizations addressing abortion access and intimate partner violence in Philadelphia.
- Addressing period poverty through a grant program; the awardee, Aunt Flow, is installing 74 free vending dispensers in libraries and recreation centers citywide.
- A dedicated storytelling campaign and website, bolstering support for pregnant Philadelphians and parents with substance use disorders.
- Successful growth and ongoing evaluation of Room2Breathe, a free asthma home visiting program.
ReACH leads the City’s efforts to ensure equitable health outcomes for all Philadelphians across their life course, with particular emphasis on reproductive health, women’s health, infant and child health, and adolescent health. The division adopts a comprehensive public health approach to this work through direct services, health outcomes surveillance, coalition building, community education, and cross-sector initiatives.
To learn more about ReACH and the topics the division addresses, visit their websites:
- Philly Loves Families: A virtual hub for ReACH’s direct service programs and resource connection, including the Community Doula Support Program, Safe Sleep Philly Crib Program, Youth Care Team, Lactation Support Program, Philly Families CAN, Family Connects, and the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program.
- Philly CAN: The Philadelphia Maternal and Infant Health Community Action Network (CAN), working to reduce infant mortality in the City.
- Birth Justice Philly: The Philadelphia Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Program.
- Philly Joy Bank: A guaranteed income pilot providing 250 pregnant Philadelphians with $1,000 per month from the second trimester of pregnancy through one year after birth.