The Division of Data Analytics in conjunction with the MCH Epidemiologist will continue to support the MCH Bureau with data and epidemiological assistance, utilizing various data sources to inform and evaluate programs and policy. Data Analytics team in conjunction with the MCH Epidemiologist will work collaboratively to prepare analysis plans and conduct analyses, noting the many indicators that can help inform on Title V activities and strategies across maternal, infant, and child populations. The team will continue to prepare and present MCH health indicators at County-level Data Walks, develop dashboards, and create factsheets and research briefs to help inform community partners as they select their top public health priorities and develop their Health Improvement Plans. The team will also share MCH and related data on the DHEC website for public consumption to inform residents, program partners and stakeholders, legislators, and researchers of priorities and needs. The team will continue to build data capacity by carrying out the activities and meeting the goals of the SSDI grant and Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review.

MCH Epidemiologists are housed within the Division of Data Analytics within the Bureau of Population Health Data Analytics & Informatics and work collaboratively with the MCH Bureau to ensure data needs are met. There are currently two MCH Epidemiologist positions housed within the Division of Data Analytics and over a dozen more analysts are being cross trained on MCH Epidemiology data sources, methods, and partners to enable MCH Epidemiology consistency and promote innovation. Additionally, analysts within the Division of Data Analytics work closely with those in the Division of Informatics to enhance processes and ensure data governance policies and procedures are followed. All Epidemiologists, including those tasked with MCH responsibilities, have at least a master’s degree. The plan for MCH Epidemiology within the Division of Data Analytics is to have one Epidemiologist specializing in analytics and research, one Epidemiologist specializing in data visualization and creating of decision making tools, and one Epidemiologist specializing in summarizing MCH Epidemiology information and findings, monitoring, evaluating and ensuring use of developed products, and coordinating with partners on the development of large-scale analytic projects.

MCH Epidemiologists are also supported by informatics specialists who evaluate processes and identify potential areas for increased efficiency, including an examination of how data flow throughout the analytic process and advise on areas to enhance data readiness and cleanliness upstream to the end analysis. The work of these staff to support the work of MCH Epidemiologists increase the validity and consistency of repetitive analyses and enable MCH Epidemiologists to be utilized to their full potential.