About our Department
The Department of Maternal and Child Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, the only academic department of its kind, is a globally recognized leader in research, education, and public health practice. Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of populations locally and globally by focusing on women, birthing individuals, children, youth, and families. We achieve this through excellence in research; the development, implementation, and evaluation of impactful programs and policies; and the education of current and future leaders and advocates.

For over 75 years we have embraced a broad view of health that includes physical, social, economic, cultural, and structural dimensions. Our comprehensive and transdisciplinary approach guides work addressing complex and interrelated health challenges. The MCH department brings together a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students from various disciplinary, educational, and cultural backgrounds. We prioritize recruiting faculty, staff, and students with unique lived experiences, interests, and skills, ensuring that our work reflects the multifaceted needs of the communities we partner with and serve. Our goal is to prepare public health professionals who are equity-minded, embrace cultural humility, and are well equipped to address the evolving needs of urban and rural communities worldwide. As the only freestanding university department in the world dedicated to maternal and child health, our work is grounded in the principles of reproductive justice and is informed by high-quality evidence in critical areas such as: sexual and reproductive health, maternal health and lactation, adolescent and child well-being, LGBTQ health, and violence prevention. Join Us We are committed to advancing maternal and child health for all people. Explore our innovative programs and groundbreaking research to learn how we are shaping the future of public health. Read more about our department.

Our History

From its founding in 1912, the Children’s Bureau, within the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, played a significant role in supporting programs aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality. These efforts highlighted the importance of public health professionals dedicated to women's and children's health, leading to an increased demand for specialists. Recognizing this need, the Department of Maternal and Child Health was established in 1950, after UNC received funding in 1947 from the Children’s Bureau to establish one of the first long-term, specialized training programs in the country. The department’s creation aligned with broader global efforts to improve health systems and address social causes of health problems, making it a model for advancing public health worldwide. The Maternal Child Health Bureau's (MCHB) Workforce Development Program under the United States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) continues to fund the UNC Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science and Practice within the department.

The department has grown substantially in size, funding and impact over the years and today is the only free-standing MCH department in the US. Our work continues to be of major importance for population health. For example, the United States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has profound negative implications for the health of the populations that the Department of Maternal and Child Health is dedicated to serving – women and pregnant people, children, and families. Scientific evidence demonstrates that lack of access to comprehensive reproductive health care is associated with multiple negative health and economic outcomes for people who need abortions and for their families. These negative consequences disproportionately affect women and birthing people of color, those with low incomes, and those living in rural areas, further increasing the already unacceptable maternal and child health inequities in our country.

Spotlight
Accounting Technician

La-Sonya F. Robinson

Nearly two years ago, the Anderson, SC native left a position in Clemson University’s business office to join the Department of Maternal and Child Health at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health as an accounting technician. Robinson describes the move as a “most peaceful professional transition,” crediting the supportive leadership and collegial environment of the department.

Centers and Institutes
The Department of Maternal and Child Health is dedicated to both furthering the science of maternal and child health and to applying existing and new knowledge to the field. We routinely work in close collaboration with domestic and global public health professionals, clinicians, policy and community leaders, academics, and a wide array of governmental, non-profit and private organizations.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute
The UNC Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science and Practice
WHO Collaborating Center for Research Evidence for Sexual and Reproductive Health
Our Programs
MPH (Maternal, Child and Family Health)
MPH (Global Health)
MPH-MSW Dual Degree
MPH-PharmD
PhD
Department Awards and Funding

The Department of Maternal and Child Health is pleased that so many of our students receive competitive awards through the Graduate School, the University and other sources. Our Department also provides limited support through two Maternal and Child Health Bureau Training Grants - Leadership Education in Maternal and Child Health (SPH/MCH) and Doctoral Training in MCH and Epidemiology.

In addition, we have several scholarships that are competitively awarded each year through our MCH Awards Committee. These awards have been made possible through the commitment and generosity of private MCH donors with the goal of promoting and celebrating excellence in maternal and child health.

Click here to read more about Awards and Funding

Students fund their education through a combination of sources, including loans, fellowships and awards, assistantships and grants. Several awards and scholarships are supported by generous contributions to the School and University who value the current and future contributions of our students.

Contact: Sarah Kitchens, Funding and Awards Coordinator, sarah_kitchens@unc.edu  

Promoting healthier families worldwide
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact your Academic Coordinator.
Looking for someone else?
MPH@UNC (MPH Online) Only:
Program Coordinator, John Sugg

135 Dauer Drive
401 Rosenau Hall, CB #7445
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7445
(919) 966-2017