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Maternal & Infant Health
Maternal & Infant Health
Division of Maternal & Infant Health
The Division of Maternal & Infant Health (DMIH) is home to an array of programs and supports aimed at advancing the health and well-being of women, infants, families, and communities.
To achieve further success in improving the outcomes for Michigan mothers, infants, and families, data-informed decisions and advisement from Michigan families are our foundational principles.
Maternal Infant Health Updates
Maternal Levels of Care
The Joint Commission Maternal Levels of Care Verification is a voluntary process for birthing hospitals to conduct a self-assessment on their capability to provide comprehensive, high-quality maternal care ranging from Level I to Level IV. By meeting rigorous standards coupled with full participation in MI AIM, hospitals demonstrate their commitment to the safety and well-being of both mothers and babies, and further support the goal of reducing maternal morbidity by providing risk-appropriate maternal care.
To further support the success of Michigan’s birthing hospitals, MDHHS will cover the costs associated with MLC, including the annual fee and site visit, making it easier and more affordable for facilities to pursue this certification. Birthing hospitals that complete the requirements of the MLC application and schedule/complete the site visit and fully participate in the MI Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) will receive a maternal health quality payment in September 2025. Learn more about Maternal Levels of Care for Michigan birthing hospitals.
Southeast Michigan Infant Vitality Initiative
Michigan achieved of a historic low in its 2019 infant mortality rate. While this milestone marks progress, this initiative seeks to dig deeper into the factors behind this decline and understand how to sustain improvements for maternal and infant health. To gain a better understanding of these experiences, MDHHS collaborated with Birth Detroit, Focus: HOPE, Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition (SEMPQIC) and the four local health departments Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and the City of Detroit.
The initiative focused on creating a more comprehensive analysis, uplifting the voices of families, community members and maternal infant health partners to provide additional context into the existing data. Read the Southeast Michigan Infant Vitality Initiative report.
Advancing Healthy Births
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health proudly released the 2024-2028 Advancing Healthy Births-An Equity Plan for Michigan Families & Communities. Continuing to strive towards the strategic vision of zero preventable deaths and zero health disparities, Michigan's plan focuses on sustainable actions and multifaceted approaches to improve outcomes for mothers, babies and their families.
Learn more about the Advancing Healthy Births Plan.
Advancing Healthy Births
Advancing Healthy Births - An Equity Plan for Michigan Families & Communities (2024-2028) is a next step in working towards an equitable Michigan and requires action from all of us.
Get Involved
Stay updated on maternal & infant health in Michigan, attend an upcoming event and sign up for our emails.
Uterine Fibroids
Get care to live a healthier future with uterine fibroids. Michigan is committed to increasing education and awareness to empower people living with fibroids.
Our Programs and Initiatives
The Division of Maternal & Infant Health is home to an array of public health programs, initiatives and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of women, birthing people, infants, families and communities. Learn more about our Our Programs and Initiatives.
Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MI PQC)
The Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MI PQC) improves perinatal outcomes and birth equity through collaboration with diverse partners. MI PQC is divided into nine Regional Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (RPQCs), each engaging families, communities, and stakeholders in data-informed quality improvement efforts.
Partners and Resources
Michigan's diverse and expansive Maternal and Infant Health Partners and stakeholders work on an array of initiatives to improve Michigan's maternal and infant health outcomes. Many resources are available through these collaborative partnerships, including data, advocacy, and services for Michigan families.
Dawn M. Shanafelt, MPA, BSN, RN
Director, Division of Maternal & Infant Health
Director, Title V Maternal Child Health
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services