The College of Public Health has been awarded a new federal grant to build a maternal and child health (MCH) curriculum and provide resources for recruiting a diverse student body interested in MCH research and education.

The grant, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, addresses a growing and urgent need for a well-trained and diverse MCH workforce, particularly in states with large rural-urban and/or racial disparities.

The project will be directed by Kelli Ryckman, associate professor of epidemiology, with support from William Story, assistant professor of community and behavioral health. The program will include partnerships with the Iowa Department of Public Health and other HRSA-funded initiatives at the University of Iowa.