The Massachusetts Title V program may request technical assistance from HRSA on 1) addressing mental health needs of families and caregivers of CYSHN, 2) collaborating with tribal and Indigenous populations, 3) breastfeeding strategic planning, and 4) partnering with Medicaid for reimbursement of home visiting services.

Mental health of families and caregivers of CYSHN

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on the mental health of parents, families, and youth. This has been especially acute for families of children and youth with special health needs. According to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Impact Survey (CCIS), almost 1 in 2 caregivers of persons with special needs and parents of children with special healthcare needs are experiencing high rates of poor mental health. Parents of CYSHN are 60% more likely to report poor mental health compared to parents of children without a special health need. Parents of CYSHN who do not have access to respite care outside of the home to support their children may have little time to work, perform household tasks, or rest. The Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs could benefit from technical assistance to understand how other state Title V programs are addressing this urgent issue.

Collaborating with tribal and Indigenous populations

An area of improvement noted during the federal review was to strengthen collaboration with tribal and Indigenous populations in our MCH programs, services, and systems. Recognizing that this is a population that has experienced significant structural trauma and harm, MDPH could benefit from training or technical assistance on best practices for engaging with Tribal and Indigenous populations in an authentic, culturally appropriate, and sustainable way, especially as planning for the 5 year needs assessment begins in fall 2023.

Breastfeeding strategic planning

The Nutrition Division is conducting a needs assessment to strengthen breastfeeding services in the state, including the unique challenges families faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities to improve or expand support services. The findings will be used to share recommendations with hospitals, WIC, and lactation services available in MA communities to better meet the needs of families in the Commonwealth. The Nutrition Division would benefit from technical assistance on leveraging needs assessment findings to inform strategic planning.