CityMatCH, a national public health organization housed with the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Pediatrics, has been recognized for its success in promoting and improving the health of the most vulnerable populations in the country – women and children.
At the recent conference in Washington, D.C., CityMatCH received the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) Director’s Award. The award recognizes noteworthy contributions made across the country to improve the health and well-being of urban women, children and families by strengthening the public health organizations and leaders in their communities.
A partner with HHS and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CityMatCH represents a national membership of 163 city and county health departments’ maternal and child health programs, including Douglas County and Lincoln-Lancaster County health departments.
Chad Abresch, interim executive director of CityMatCH, said now is a crucial time for vigilance when it comes to the health of women, children and families nationwide.
“Some health departments across the country are seeing adverse shifts in important health indicators, such as teen pregnancy rates and infant mortality,” Abresch said. “These shifts may be due in part to the economic downturn.”
Abresch said the organization has benefitted from being in Omaha.
"This award is important recognition for UNMC, which has supported and housed CityMatCH for 20 years. UNMC has enabled CityMatCH to become a recognized national leader for the health of women, children and families,” he said.
Michael Fraser, Ph.D., CEO of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, said CityMatCH has made important contributions nationally. “CityMatCH’s ability to translate research and knowledge into action has led to significant improvements in urban policy and practice,” Dr. Fraser said.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.