The primary source of MCH funds are from the federal government's Maternal and Child Health Bureau that is part of the Health Resources Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS).  Specifically, the funds are allocated in accordance with Title V of the Social Security Act.  Approximately half of MCH funds come from federal sources and half from NH general funds.

MCH also receives Title X funds from the Office of Population Affairs at USDHHS for family planning services in NH.  Federal funds from the Social Services Block Grant also support family planning program services.  Approximately 35% of the program's funds are NH general funds.

For Title X the federal government has very clear laws, regulations, and guidelines that specify the services to be provided with the funds.  In addition, NH requires that family planning services be provided according to NH's clinical guidelines.

MCH conducts needs assessments to examine health and socio-economic data in order to identify priority maternal and child health issues and needs around NH.  For example, assisting women to quit smoking during pregnancy is a statewide need and training is provided to health providers to counsel women.  MCH analyzes the number of children in poverty and women at risk for poor health birth outcomes to determine where to allocate funds for child health, family planning and prenatal programs.

The Title X program conducts a statewide needs assessment to determine program priorities.  As a result of this assessment family planning funds support services to low-income women and teens.  Fund allocation is largely based on the services agencies provide to these populations and some funds are allocated based on the socio-economic and health risk factors of the community.

Family planning programs offer comprehensive reproductive health care for men and women including routine screening for breast and cervical cancer, vaginal infections, testicular cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases.  Family planning clients have access to a wide range of birth control methods and can also receive counseling on how to prepare for a pregnancy.  Programs provide education to enable clients to make the best decisions about when to have children.

Services are offered on a sliding fee scale based on the client's ability to pay.  No one is refused services because of inability to pay.

In each community the Home Visiting NH program has partnerships with many other organizations and individuals who work with Medicaid-eligible pregnant women.  Many referrals come from Prenatal Clinics and Obstetricians or Gynecologists.  Other referral sources include Head Start Programs; Women, Infants and Children Nutrition (WIC) Services; schools and other social service agencies.  Some families who are already participating in the program recommend the program for their friends and family when they learn of a new pregnancy.

• Place a baby on his/her back to sleep at nighttime and naptime.
• Place a baby to sleep on a firm mattress – no sofas, cushions, waterbeds, sheepskins or other soft surfaces.
• Remove all fluffy and loose bedding from the sleep area – no stuffed toys, pillows, quilts or other soft items in the crib.
• Make sure a baby's head and face stay uncovered during sleep.  If you must use a blanket, place a baby's feet at the bottom of the crib and use a thin, light blanket no higher than a baby's chest, tucked in around the crib mattress.
• Don't smoke before or after a baby's birth. Create a smoke-free zone around a baby.
• Don't let a baby overheat during sleep.  Keep a baby warm during sleep but not too warm.  Keep a baby's room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.
• Get early and regular prenatal health care; breastfeed a baby, if possible; and take a baby for scheduled well baby check-ups.