Overview

In the wake of recent man-made and natural disasters, the US is placing a high priority on building up the nation's public health workforce.  Since 2002, Federal funding has increased for public health preparedness, including scholarship and loan repayment programs, workforce development grants, and funding for bioterrorism preparedness.  What does this mean for you?  It means that with a degree in public health, you’ll be in high demand – and on a career path filled with advancement opportunities.

Providing information and access  to information on family planning; promoting the health of a pregnant woman and her children; and increasing  vaccination rates are part of maternal and child health. Professionals in maternal and child health focus on the complex public health problems affecting women, children, and their families.   

Maternal and child health experts work to improve the health delivery system specifically for women, children, and families through advocacy, education, and research.  They accomplish this by discovering and testing solutions through applied research and by developing, implementing, and/or evaluating health programs at the local, state, national, and international levels.

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Maternal and Child Health 14 May 2008 [pdf, 179 KB]

Working Conditions