Alaska’s Title V program is managed by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (DPH), Section of Women's Children's and Family Health (WCFH). WCFH programs are guided by the maternal and child health pyramid of services and stress improving health status, assuring health service access, and eliminating health disparities in present and future generations of Alaskans. Strong partnerships and a collaborative approach are critical for systems development, implementation, service delivery and, ultimately, achieving the mission of Title V. All programs and services within WCFH are delivered in collaboration and partnership with others.

In 2017, WCFH developed a Strategic Plan overview for the Section that reflected the priorities outlined in the MCH Title V Needs Assessment. This overview lays out the framework that guides the work of all programs in the Section. It is to be noted that the MCH Block Grant serves as a more specific framework and strategic plan for our Section and was updated in 2020 during the needs assessment process. The Strategic Plan one-page overview was intended to be updated in 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19, and efforts were focused on the new 5-year priorities and action plan. It is anticipated this will be updated by the Section within the next year, but the current version remains quite relevant.

Title V is co-located in WCFH with many state and federal programs that serve the maternal and child population such as the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems, Maternal, Infant & Early Childhood Home Visiting, Newborn Screening, Title X, among many others. The Title V umbrella and framework guides the work of these programs as well as the uniquely Title V efforts, and funding (federal and non-federal) is braided together to accomplish mutual goals.

The Section staff and programs are organized according to the life course framework with the understanding that what happens early in life affects a person into adulthood. The Section is divided up into Units focusing on Perinatal & Early Childhood, School Age & Adolescence, and Adult Health. The fourth Unit is the Maternal Child Health Epidemiology group which provides the data and surveillance infrastructure to guide MCH programs and care across the state. Other key MCH programs are located elsewhere within the Division or Department, but partner closely with Title V to share data and staff expertise, establish priorities, and align strategies. These include the Immunization Program, Physical Activity and Nutrition, Women Infants and Children, and Early Intervention.

WCFH functions as a statewide convener and leader that brings together stakeholders, both clinical and non-clinical, to the table to improve MCH health issues in Alaska. The strong partnerships we have with the private sector, tribal health, educational institutions, community service agencies, and other non-profits, serve as a major strength of the Title V program. WCFH views parents and families as professional partners and serve as public health’s leader in ensuring the voice of families and consumers is heard. Lastly, we strive to follow evidence-based practices and national recommendations. Continuous quality improvement and evaluation is a key part of our work to ensure innovation, effectiveness, and appropriate use of funding.