Read on for an exciting update from ICO4MCH Public Health Education specialist, Jasmine Johnson, MPH!
Dear Community,
We are excited to announce the new name of the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) initiative! Let me formally introduce Family Matters Durham!
About
Family Matters Durham is a program of Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) using evidence-based strategies for 3 key goals to improve birth outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and improve the overall health status of children from birth to age 5. Using a Collective Impact Framework with a health equity lens, Family Matters Durham work collaboratively within the community to enhance health outcomes, promote equitable services, and build healthier communities in Durham County. Family Matters Durham is funded under the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) initiative by the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
Our Program Aims:
Improve Birth Outcomes – provide preconception and interconception health prior to pregnancy during reproductive years
Reduce Infant Mortality – apply the global standard of the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding, with a specific focus on steps 3 and 10 to promote and support human milk feeding for all families
Improve the Overall Health Status of Children Ages 0-5 – work with Family Connects Durham Newborn Home Visiting Program to reduce emergency medical care costs through improvement in parenting and infant well-being
Why the new name?
We know that ICO4MCH was quite a mouthful! Our focus is community-centered, and we wanted a name that encourages everyone to join us in improving perinatal outcomes for all families. Our new logo features a growing family embraced by a heart, using gender-neutral icons to reflect the diversity of families in our community. We warmly invite every family member to participate in our initiative. Together, we can create positive change and make a real difference!
How to get Involved:
Join Our Community Action Team (CAT)!
We invite anyone interested in maternal and child health to join our collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes and promote equitable services. Our Community Action Team (CAT) includes family leaders, community members, local stakeholders, and partners—all dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Durham County.
We meet every other month, either in person or virtually, in a welcoming environment filled with engaging discussions, interactive activities, networking opportunities, and training sessions aligned with our program goals. Together, we can harness our collective expertise, experiences, and resources to create meaningful change, ensuring that every child and every family in Durham County has the opportunity to thrive.
Come be part of our mission!
The next CAT meeting is in December. If you are interested in joining the team or attending the next meeting, contact the Local Program Manager, Jasmine Johnson at jjohnson@dconc.gov
Family Matters Durham core community partners are:
Special thanks to Hey Awesome Girl for the logo design and branding process!
Until next time,
Family Matters Durham
