As a leader in maternal and child health advocacy in Southern Illinois, TLRC is engaged in policy and programming engagement to address the biggest issues we see in the communities we serve.
In an effort to reduce maternal and child health disparities in Black and rural populations across the seventeen southernmost counties of Illinois, we have launched the Southern Illinois Grassroots Maternal and Child Health Initiative (SIG-MCH) in collaboration with the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center and the Illinois Public Health Association.
The SIG-MCH Initiative will serve as the umbrella under which the following innovative and data-driven strategies will be developed and completed:
- Address perinatal mental health challenges through the creation of alternative support pathways and advocacy for individuals experiencing perinatal mood disorders and perinatal substance use disorders;
- Create awareness and supportive programming to reduce the occurrence of early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs);
- Provide evidence-based reproductive health education and services;
- Address MCH social determinants of health barriers related to food insecurity and transportation inequity;
- Expand the workforce through the training and implementation of community health workers and doulas in promoting health equity.
- Develop a strong workforce education network for cross-sector professionals working with pregnant and parenting individuals and families.
SIG-MCH Primary Service Area:
Counties:
- Alexander
- Franklin
- Gallatin
- Hamilton
- Hardin
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Massac
- Perry
- Pope
- Pulaski
- Randolph
- Saline
- Union
- Williamson
