The University of Michigan School of Public Health is making strides in maternal and child health. They’ve been named one of 13 Centers of Excellence by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This recognition comes with a five-year, $1.8 million grant. The goal? To create a Center of Excellence for Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health to help fill gaps in the workforce.
“This award shows our school’s commitment to addressing urgent public health challenges for mothers and children. We’re eager to pave new paths for students to lead in this vital area.” — Kendrin Sonneville, associate professor and project lead.
In the U.S., maternal and child health faces serious issues. The country has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women, along with those in rural communities, are hit the hardest. In Michigan, there are alarming trends: high cesarean rates among first-time mothers, racial disparities in prenatal dental care, and rising sleep-related deaths among Black infants.
The new Center aims to tackle these challenges. It will focus on workforce development, strengthen academic partnerships, and create effective strategies to enhance the program’s impact.
Unique Training Opportunities
This fall, the university will launch a groundbreaking Certificate in Maternal Child Health. This program is the first of its kind at the school, offering interdisciplinary training to graduate students across various academic departments. It aligns with national leadership standards and aims to enroll at least 25 students annually.
Students will gain hands-on experience through internships and community service, working with organizations like the Washtenaw County Health Department. This approach ensures that students are not just learning in classrooms but also tackling real-world issues.
The Center is dedicated to supporting student success, offering financial assistance to those in need and from underrepresented backgrounds. This includes funding for internships and research projects, ensuring a diverse range of students can participate.
Each year, the Center aims to engage over 50 students in various activities related to maternal and child health, reinforcing the importance of practical experience in education.
Building Stronger Partnerships
A crucial aspect of this initiative is fostering collaboration between the university and local health practitioners. The Center plans to enhance partnerships with at least ten maternal and child health organizations. This will provide valuable real-world experiences for students while addressing vital community needs.
“Our partnerships help bridge research and practice,” said Laura Power, director of the Office of Public Health Practice. “Students will gain hands-on experience while helping to solve complex maternal and child health challenges.”
Faculty and Expertise at Work
The program will draw from the expertise of faculty members across all academic departments. Each department has a designated Maternal and Child Health Faculty Lead, who will mentor students and help develop relevant coursework. This initiative also aims to formalize recognition for faculty specializing in maternal and child health.
“We’re leveraging the deep knowledge from our faculty to train the next generation of leaders in this field,” said Karen Peterson, a professor at the school.
Looking Ahead
The Center is committed to creating a lasting impact. They plan to track graduates’ careers for five years to measure the program’s effectiveness. Findings and innovative training methods will be shared with other institutions, expanding the program’s reach.
The University of Michigan is now part of an elite group selected for this recognition, joining prestigious institutions like Harvard and Emory. Funding will begin in 2025 and continue through 2030.
This initiative is backed by HRSA, emphasizing the importance of maternal and child health in public health efforts.
For more details, check out the [University of Michigan School of Public Health](https://sph.umich.edu/news/2025posts/michigan-public-health-maternal-child-health-center-excellence.html).
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Child Health, Public Health, Adolescent Health, Children, Education, Health and Human Services, Mortality, Research, students
