About Us

MCHC’s mission is to advocate for and empower prenatal and parenting families to achieve healthy beginnings and a bright future through a caring culture of service. Our vision is to create a world where every family has access to healthcare, education, and opportunity for success.

Our Story

Addressing maternal and child health disparities is one of the most significant and challenging issues of the day. Compared to every other developed country, the United States fares the worst in maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Although Chester County ranks as the wealthiest county in the state, 1 in 4 residents are struggling to make ends meet and access the resources that they need to stay healthy, the hardest hit being families with children.

Maternal and Child Health Consortium (MCHC) was created in 1991 by representatives from the Chester County Health Department, March of Dimes of Southeastern PA, and Planned Parenthood of Chester County on the belief that everyone should have access to high-quality health care regardless of race, ethnicity, language, insurance status, or immigration status. In 1995, we started providing prenatal case management for low-income pregnant and parenting people and their children who seek support. In 1997, with funding from the federal Healthy Start program, MCHC became one of 100 Healthy Start programs in the country and we expanded to reach more at-risk individuals, specifically Latinx/Hispanic and Black/African American families. MCHC’s Family Benefits Program was soon introduced to provide uninsured/under-insured families with bilingual, bicultural assistance with accessing state subsidized health insurance programs and then in 2010 expanded to include enrollment in food benefits. In 2006, MCHC launched the Family Center Program to address a gap in school readiness among low-income families with children in southern Chester County.

MCHC serves upwards of 5,000 individuals every year and has risen as a leading service provider in the Chester County social safety net, with our work having been cited in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Today, MCHC has an operating budget of over $2 million through public and private partnerships and strong community support.

Our Values

Reliability. We are sincere and trustworthy. We are true to our values and conduct ourselves according to our professional principles. Our philosophy directs our daily work and relations with other.

Empowerment. We partner with families and recognize their strengths and practices. We cultivate meaningful relationships that reflect trust, respect, and responsiveness to each family. We provide guidance so that program participants can achieve their goals.

Advancement. We are innovative and forward thinking; we are open to new possibilities and to the discovery of new approaches to achieving organizational goals as we advance our mission.

Achievement. We believe that personal growth is related to the success of MCHC. As a result, we are devoted to nurturing an environment where staff members can excel in their jobs and feel confident and open when working with families while strengthening and encouraging program participants and their family members.

Inclusion. we respect and value the diversity of different cultures; we promote equity, inclusiveness and cultural responsiveness.

Our Locations

Coatesville

1001 East Lincoln Highway Suite 104

Coatesville, PA 19320

Awards & Special Recognitions

2021 Award for Advancing Minority Health from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation
2020 Youth Career Impact Award from the Chester County Economic Development Council STEM Innovation
2013, 2014, 2015 Nonprofit Organization of the Year from Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry
2011 Providing Leadership and Opportunity for Business from the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
2005 GSK Impact Award Winner
2005 Certificate of Recognition from the Institute for Mexicans Abroad
2003 Chester County recognition of MCHC’s Annual Back to School Campaign
2000 Gold Award of Excellence from the United Way of Chester County
1998 Outreach Recognition Award from the PA Insurance Dept. – Children’s Health Insurance Program
1997 – 1998 Community Health Impact Award from SmithKline Beecham