MATERNAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH OUTREACH (MCAHO) PROGRAM 

Promoting Healthy Beginnings & Healthy Lives  

The Pasadena Public Health Department Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Outreach (MCHAO) Program helps to improve access to quality and comprehensive primary healthcare services for all women of reproductive age (including pregnant women), infants, children, adolescents, and their families.  Our staff works with community organizations and medical providers to improve access to prenatal, medical, and dental care for low-income families.  Our services include the following: 

For Families

• Maintain a toll-free information services line to connect women and their families with available healthcare services.
• Assist families with obtaining health insurance and finding a provider for prenatal care and child health care.  Provide assistance in finding resources for children with special health care needs.
• Participate in healthcare planning and resource development with community agencies which will improve access to quality healthcare for pregnant and parenting uninsured women and their families, including infants, children, and adolescents.
• Provide support to create and maintain a comprehensive network of care that addresses concerns of women and children and health disparities.
• Assist women in obtaining Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal services.
• Provide health education and materials to individuals and community providers to decrease exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs during pregnancy, and prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

For Professionals

• Provide support to empower individual and community-based initiatives and existing programs designed to monitor and support positive pregnancy and infant outcomes, child and adolescent health.
• Provide case finding and coordination to at-risk women of childbearing age.
• Advocate for pregnant women at the state and local levels to assist in obtaining continuous prenatal care and other services that promote healthy women, healthy birth outcomes, children, and adolescents.
• Monitor and advise regarding legislation that impacts women, infants, children and adolescents.

We host campaigns for a broad range of issues including domestic violence, tobacco control, substance abuse, preventable injuries, childhood obesity, teenage pregnancy, infant mortality, breastfeeding promotion, and preconception health. 

Pasadena MCAH Collaborative 

Agencies and individual professionals working with low-income women of reproductive age, infants, children, and adolescents are invited to participate in the MCAH Collaborative and the Pasadena Healthy Women, Healthy Babies Coalition.  Through policy, planning, review of legislative policies that impact the MCAH population, and collaborative efforts, we strive to achieve optimal health and well-being for our community.  Join us as we endeavor to promote healthy lifestyle choices for healthy families and children.

MCAHO Resources

• General Information and Resources
• Resources for Providers