Urban Indian Health Institute

The UIHI conducted a Maternal, Infant and Child Health Capacity Needs Assessment to ascertain the maternal, infant and child health (MICH) services as well as the accessibility, quality, and affordability of those services provided by the 34 urban Indian health organizations (UIHO) funded through Title V of the Health Care Improvement Act. The purpose of the assessment was to assist in identifying specific assets, limitations or gaps in the urban Indian health program as a whole.

Beginning in 2006, the UIHI carried out the nationwide assessment via both online and mail-in survey. In 2007, additional sites participated for a total response rate of 71% (24 sites). The report at the link below summarizes the results from both survey years.

The findings of this capacity needs assessment highlight current areas of strength and need in providing MICH care to urban AI/AN. Findings document a need for additional pregnancy and infant health services at many sites. Available MCH data confirm a number of areas that put urban AI/AN at risk for adverse birth outcomes and significantly increased rates of infant mortality compared to the general population. Increased resources to support MCH services offered by UIHOs may effectively reduce observed disparities.

The findings of the assessment may be used to increase awareness and understanding of program needs, improve stability of funding for the urban Indian health program and help advocate for the populations served. The UIHI hopes that you find the report to be useful to your organization and we welcome suggestions about future projects.

For more information on the report findings please contact: Shira Rutman shirar@uihi.org, (415) 374-7868