NPLI is proud to partner with the National Healthy Start Association (NHSA) on the Maternal and Child Health Policy Innovation Program (MCH PIP). This collaborative effort brings together community leaders and advocates to shape policies that improve health outcomes for mothers, infants, and families nationwide.
About Our Partner
NHSA represents more than 100 federally funded Healthy Start programs across the country. These programs work to reduce infant and maternal mortality and address the deep inequities that impact maternal and child health. As a national leader in the field, NHSA supports frontline providers, connects families to care, and drives systemic change through policy and advocacy.
Building a Cohort for Change
The MCH PIP Cohort includes 24 members from six communities, each represented by a team of four: the Healthy Start Director, Consortium Coordinator or Director, Fatherhood Engagement Lead, and a Person With Lived Experience. These diverse perspectives bring both professional expertise and real-world insight to the table.
From March 31 to April 2, cohort members came together for a three-day retreat that created space for relationship building, reflection, and policy-focused collaboration. With 30 participants in attendance, we explored how policy change can address social determinants of health and support healthier futures for families.
The retreat sparked conversations around equity, access, and the kinds of systems that families truly need to thrive. It also laid the foundation for the work ahead.
What Comes Next
The program is currently in Phase I, focused on building shared understanding, identifying policy priorities, and setting goals. Phase II begins later in 2025 and runs through 2026. This next phase will focus on developing, refining, and advancing concrete policy proposals.
Between now and then, we’ll continue monthly meetings and collaborative work sessions. Our goal is to co-create policies that lead to measurable improvements in maternal and child health, while reducing disparities that have persisted for far too long.
We’re honored to be part of this powerful community of change agents.
Learn more about the National Healthy Start Association at
https://www.nationalhealthystart.org/
