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NC Department of Health and Human Services
N.C. DPH: Women's and Children's Health Section
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Women's Health Branch

Plan of Safe Care (POSC)

09/11/18: A new federal mandate went into effect on July 31, 2017 that requires health care providers involved in delivery and care of infants in North Carolina (and all states) to notify child welfare when an infant is identified by a medical provider

as being affected by:

  • Mom’s untreated substance use disorder

or having:

  • Withdrawal signs and symptoms
  • Signs of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
  • A positive urine, meconium, or umbilical cord segment substance test with provider concerns.

This law also requires that a Plan of Safe Care (POSC) is developed for these infants. The POSC English (PDF, 2 MB) and Spanish (PDF, 2 MB) pamphlets provide basic information for patients regarding how and why a Plan of Safe Care is created. Agencies should download the brochures as needed.


Health Equity Impact Assessment Tool (#impactEQUITYNC)

The Women's Health Branch (N.C. Division of Public Health, Women's and Children's Health Section), the N.C. Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (N.C. Department of Health and Human Services), and N.C. Child have established a partnership (#impactEQUITYNC) to develop, test, and disseminate a tool to empower public health agencies and communities to evaluate and proactively address the health implications of state and local policies, practices, and programs.



N.C. Perinatal Health Strategic Plan: 2016 – 2020

Perinatal Health Strategic PlanNorth Carolina has been a leader in the maternal and child health (MCH) arena for decades. From the synergy of multiple efforts, the Women’s Health Branch, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a group of partners to draft a statewide plan to include a focus on infant mortality, maternal health, maternal mortality, and the health status of women and men of childbearing age.

The Perinatal Health Strategic Plan (PDF, 703 KB) was released on March 24, 2016 by the DHHS Secretary and Deputy Secretary. This plan includes feedback from over 150 thought leaders throughout the state.

To get involved or to ask questions, send email requests to the Branch.


NC Making It Work Toolkit

We are excited to share a NEW online resource supporting working mothers and employers. The NC Making It Work Tool Kit, adapted from the New York State Department of Health, provides essential information for mothers, their families, and employers to support breastfeeding. The NC Making It Work Tool Kit is comprised of five sections:

  • For Moms - What to consider when breastfeeding and returning to work
  • For Family Members - How to support mom’s journey to breastfeed
  • For Employers - How to accommodate breastfeeding employees in the workplace
  • The Law - What is required of the Federal Labor Standards Act Worksite Lactation Accommodation law
  • Other Materials - Sample letters and policies to assist moms and employers

 

Highlights

Women’s Preventive Health Services Covered By The Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Preventive Health Services for Women

Trainings

Order Forms

Strategic Plans

North Carolina PreconceptionHealth Strategic Plan Supplement 2014-2019

North Carolina Preconception Health Strategic Plan Supplement 2014 -2019 (PDF, 1.42 MB)

North Carolina Medical Center Resources

High-Risk Prenatal Care Resource List (PDF, 23 KB)


Funding Opportunities

Request for Application (RFA) #A355 - Healthy Beginnings

10/29/18: The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Women’s Health Branch has released a Request for Application (RFA) #A355 - Healthy Beginnings.

Eligibility

Public or private nonprofit agencies (e.g. nonprofit community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, local health departments, community health centers) are eligible to apply for funds under this Request for Applications. For-profit agencies need not apply.

All prospective applicants are required to participate in a pre-application webinar on Thursday, November 8, 2018, 10:00 am - 11:00 am.

All prospective applicants are required to submit a non-binding Notice of Intent no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Request for Applications Schedule

  • 10/29/18: RFA released and consultation period begins.
  • 11/08/18: Mandatory pre-application webinar - 10:00 am - 11:00 am.
  • 11/15/18: Technical assistance call (optional) - 10:00 am - 11:00 am at 919-501-4272.
  • 11/27/18: Mandatory Notice of Intent due at 5:00 pm.
  • 11/27/18: RFA consultation period ends at 4:30 pm.
  • 12/04/18: Question and answer addendum emailed to all eligible applicants.
  • 12/17/18: Application deadline at 5:00 pm.
  • 1/18/19: Successful applicants will be notified.

Questions?

Call Renee Jackson at (919) 707-5714 or email.

Branch Overview

The Women's Health Branch develops and promotes programs and services that protect the health and well-being of infants and of women during their child-bearing years. The goal is to improve the overall health of women, reduce infant sickness and death, and strengthen families and communities.

The Women's Health Branch also offers guidance, consultation and training for professionals who provide women's health services.

Local health departments and other community agencies serving each of the 100 counties in North Carolina provide a variety of these women’s health services, including family planning, prenatal care, flu shots and other women's immunizations, and pregnancy care management. For more information on the services near you, contact your local health department external link.

The Women's Health Branch is part of the Women’s and Children’s Health Section of the North Carolina Division of Public Health.

 

 

 


 

NCDHHS

Updated: November 13, 2018