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School of Public Health

UAB MCH Center of Excellence

Building a Healthier Future for Mothers, Children, and Families

The UAB Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health (MCH), housed within the Department of Health Policy and Organization in the UAB School of Public Health, is proud to be one of only 13 Centers of Excellence (CoE) nationwide funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration/Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

With a legacy of leadership dating back to 1983, the mission of the CoE is to strengthen and expand the maternal and child health workforce—both current professionals and the next generation of leaders. Through graduate training, professional development, research, and strong academic-practice partnerships, we aim to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes for mothers, children, and families in Alabama and beyond. Students enrolled in the MCH graduate programs (both the DrPH and MPH), certificate programs, or MCH courses are considered long-, medium-, or short-term trainees. The CoE provides classroom training, experiential learning, financial support, student engagement, and leadership development opportunities to help students and professionals grow, connect, and lead in the field.

Key Activities

  • Education and Training

    UAB offers formal education programs designed to prepare leaders in MCH through rigorous coursework, interprofessional learning, and leadership training. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree or enhancing your skills with a specialized certificate, these programs provide the knowledge and experience to influence policy, improve practice, and make a lasting impact on families and communities. Learn more about our MCH Graduate Degree Programs and Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership Certificate.

  • Student Support and Engagement

    Varied professional development opportunities are available each semester, including leadership and engagement through the Maternal and Child Health Student Association (MCHSA).

    Financial support is available each semester to MCH trainees*, as funds are available. This support includes the following:

    • Scholarships to doctoral-level trainees designed to assist with tuition costs and other expenses related to the pursuit of a DrPH
    • Competitive scholarships to masters-level trainees designed to assist with tuition costs and other expenses related to their applied practice experiences (internship)
    • Travel assistance for masters- and doctoral-level trainees to participate in MCH-related conferences

    *Eligibility for financial assistance requires U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, permanent residency, or qualified alien status. You are strongly encouraged to join the MCH Student Association (MCHSA).

  • Technical Assistance and Subject Matter Expertise

    The UAB CoE seeks to enhance and establish academic-practice partnerships with state Title V and other MCH-related agencies/organizations to strengthen MCH capacity.

    UAB CoE faculty, staff and students are extensively engaged in research and applied practice projects, providing technical assistance and subject matter expertise to state Title V and other MCH-related agencies/organizations to support their work in improving MCH outcomes.

  • Resources

Leadership and Staff

Faculty

  • Julie Preskitt, MPH, PhD - Project Director, Professor
  • Martha Wingate, MPH, DrPH - Deputy Director, Professor & Chair
  • David Becker, PhD - DrPH Program Director, Associate Professor
  • Anne Brisendine, MPH, DrPH – Assistant Professor
  • Jessica Chambliss, PhD – Assistant Professor
  • Annie Glover, PhD, MPH, MPA – Assistant Professor
  • Heather Johnson, MPH, DrPH – Assistant Professor

Staff

  • Julie McDougal, MAE – Co-Coordinator
  • Elena Kidd, MPH – Co-Coordinator

MCH Student Association

All UAB students with particular interest in MCH are encouraged to join the Maternal & Child Health Student Association, or MCHSA. It is a student-led organization sharing MCH knowledge and experience with the school, campus, and community. Check out the MCHSA website to learn more. Email Julie McDougal with questions.

>MCHSA Website Opens an external link.

Contact Us

For questions regarding the MCH CoE, contact Elena Kidd or Julie McDougal.

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