The Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health (MCFH) has changed its name to the Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health (ReACH), which focuses on reproductive health throughout Philadelphians’ lives.

“This is a critical moment for us to reaffirm our commitment to all facets of reproductive health throughout the life course,” said Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson, Ph.D. “Also, we are redoubling our efforts to support health during adolescence, which is a crucial time for shaping physical and mental health.”  

“This new division name reflects the true breadth of the work we do,” said ReACH Director Aasta Mehta, M.D. “Our new name makes it clear that we serve women, birthing Philadelphians, children, and teens. It also reinforces our commitment to supporting the health of Philadelphians from childhood through adolescence into adulthood, pregnancy, parenting, and beyond.” 

The division’s new name reflects the Health Department’s deepened commitment to addressing the unique needs of adolescents. It also reinforces the division’s continued focus on reproductive justice and health equity at every life stage, reflected by recent initiatives, such as: 

  • Financial support for organizations addressing abortion access and intimate partner violence in Philadelphia. 
  • Addressing period poverty (insufficient access to menstruation products) with grant money. Grant recipient Aunt Flow is installing 74 vending dispensers that provide free menstruation products at libraries and recreation centers citywide.
  • A dedicated storytelling campaign and website, bolstering support for pregnant Philadelphians and parents with substance use disorders.
  • Successful growth and ongoing evaluation of Room2Breathe, a free asthma home visiting program. 

ReACH leads the City’s efforts to ensure equitable health outcomes for all Philadelphians throughout their lifetimes, with particular emphasis on reproductive health, women’s health, infant and child health, and adolescent health. The division takes a comprehensive public health approach to this work through direct services, health outcomes surveillance, coalition building, community education, and cross-sector initiatives. 

To learn more about ReACH and the topics the division addresses, visit: 

  • Philly Loves Families, a virtual hub for ReACH’s direct service programs and resource connection, including the Community Doula Support Program, Safe Sleep Philly Crib Program, Youth Care Team, Lactation Support Program, Philly Families CAN, Family Connects, and the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program. 
  • Philly CAN, the Philadelphia Maternal and Infant Health Community Action Network (CAN), which is working to reduce infant mortality in Philadelphia. 
  • Birth Justice Philly, Philadelphia’s Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Program. 
  • Philly Joy Bank, a guaranteed income pilot providing 250 pregnant Philadelphians with $1,000 per month from the second trimester of pregnancy through one year after birth. 
Learn more as Dr. Mehta explains the change to ReACH.