MCH Epidemiology Workforce

MA Title V is a leader in promoting data access and data-driven decision making. In addition to its robust performance measurement framework and focus on implementing evidence-based practices, epidemiologists in the Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition (BFHN) ensure Title V has direct access to timely MCH data to support programming, assessment, monitoring and quality improvement. The Division of Maternal and Child Health Research and Analysis (DMCHRA) was established in fall 2020 to add a manager to the chain of command who can focus on MCH policy implementation, specific Title V priorities, grants management, respond to legislative mandates, oversee data analysis and dissemination (e.g., using PRAMS data to monitor the implementation of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) mandate among working parents), and support implementation of the Public Health Data Warehouse (PHD) in collaboration with the Office of Population Health. The DMCHRA Director supports cost effectiveness/return on investment analyses to demonstrate program effectiveness and think critically about how to use data for primary prevention, and to conduct root cause analyses to quantify more completely the inequities seen in health outcomes across MCH programs. The DMCHRA Director is also the SSDI Director and the Principal Investigator for the MA Perinatal Neonatal Quality Improvement Network (PNQIN), the state Perinatal Quality Collaborative, and provides leadership to the collaborative.   

DMCHRA’s role is to provide statistical information for needs assessment, performance management, quality improvement, and decision support in BFHN using data analytics, survey work, and evaluation studies. The Office of Data Translation (ODT), the organizational unit where the epidemiologists are located, is housed in DMCHRA. The ODT Director serves as the Assistant Director for DMCHRA. There are 12 FTEs in the Division who are responsible for collecting, managing, and analyzing MCH data. While most of the epidemiologists hold an MPH, there are also four doctoral level epidemiologists and one MD. To be fully staffed, DMCHRA needs two more full-time epidemiologists. Epidemiologists are funded by SSDI, Title V, and grants from CDC, HRSA, and NIH.

The Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (CBDRP) supports monitoring, research, and sharing of information around perinatal outcomes. There are ten epidemiologists (four with PhDs in Epidemiology, one MD, and five with MPHs). Two are funded by Title V, one is mixed funded (Title V and CDC), and seven are funded through CDC grants or placements. CBDRP also works with doctoral and master level students on analytic projects, funded through a CDC grant that includes a training program.

BFHN has had a CDC MCH Epidemiology Program assignee since October 2012. Her focus is building state MCH capacity and using epidemiologic research and scientific information to inform programs and policies. The CDC assignee, supervised by the Title V Director, works closely with DMCHRA/SSDI, CBDRP, and DPIE to recruit fellows from CDC-sponsored programs and to leverage training opportunities offered by CDC for the benefit of MDPH staff. For over a decade, BFHN has had CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellows who provide high-quality epidemiologic support while learning the practical application of epidemiology. A CSTE Fellow who worked in CBDRP in a neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)/birth defects position during August 2020 –February 2022 was hired as a COVID-19 MCH Epidemiologist in a newly created position. A new CSTE fellow, with a focus on NAS and birth defects, joined CBDRP in the summer of 2022. A CSTE Fellow worked in DMCHRA from July 2021-January 2022 on a range of MCH data projects including a Fatherhood/Second parent survey, the PRAMS COVID-19 vaccine supplement, and data linkages. A new CSTE fellow will be joining DMCHRA starting in August 2023 for a two-year position.

BFHN has also successfully recruited staff through CDC’s Public Health Associate Program (PHAP).  Two CDC PHAPs have supported the work of the MA Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Team (the first in 2020-2022 and a second during 2022-2024). In February 2023, BFHN submitted a position description to recruit a PHAP to support the work of the MA Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee and support the activities under the Title V Maternal Mortality Priority. 

BFHN continues to host graduate and undergraduate student interns for applied learning experiences on MCH topics. Two master-level students will be working with DMCHRA this summer to analyze PRAMS data on perinatal substance use and paid family medical leave. The CDC Assignee and members of the Racial Equity Strategic Pathway Implementation Team, developers of the MA Racial Equity Data Road Map, will be working with a Title V Intern team this summer to develop a workplan and timeline for revising and updating the Road Map. BFHN epidemiologists and program staff frequently participate in the CDC/Harvard School of Public Health Program evaluation practicum, a training and experiential opportunity for staff to enhance their skills in program evaluation. BFHN last participated in the practicum during January 2020, when MA MIECHV staff worked with Harvard students to develop an evaluation framework for the Parents as Teachers Recovery Coach Overlay. MDPH also provides practicum opportunities and mentorship for student interns from local schools of public health every year. The CDC assignee, CSTE fellows and student interns play an important role in the Title V Needs Assessment.