Families

families-mainMaternal and Child Health (MCH) has traditionally focused on the health status of women and children. However, the reality is that the health of women and children can not be viewed as independent from the health of the families in which they reside. In MCH, our definition of family continues to evolve; we characterize “family” broadly to include families with or without children, one- or two- parent headed households, same-sex parents and couples who are unable or choose not to have children. Families with children may be headed by non-biological parents, grandparents or aunts and uncles, among other individuals. We are especially sensitive to the fact that many families include men and that men have been neglected from certain facets of research and programs that promote healthy families.