Maternal and Child Health

The first years of a child’s life set the course for all that follows. High-quality prenatal care and health care are vital to children’s brain development and lifelong health. Yet in the United States, pregnant people, children, and families in marginalized communities experience negative social determinants of health (SDOH)—harmful conditions in the places where they live, learn, work, and play—that endanger health and well-being. And far too many pregnant people, children, and families face severe inequities, such as poor health care, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma. For Black and Native American communities in the United States, health inequities result in devastatingly and unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality.

Nationwide, EDC works to eradicate health inequities, inform policy, and strengthen systems to improve maternal and child health for all families. Families with lived experience of negative SDOH are our primary and pivotal partners in change. Working closely with federal agencies and private foundations, we build the capacity of home visitors, community leaders, early educators, and social services and health care professionals to address negative SDOH. Our national centers and networks guide the use of evidence-based approaches—such as quality improvement, community partnerships, and injury and violence prevention—to ensure all pregnant people, children, and families thrive throughout their lives.