Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program
Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program (MIHOW) aims to enhance maternal and child health outcomes through a strength-based home visiting approach. MIHOW trains community health workers to help pregnant individuals achieve physical, mental, and emotional well-being in preparation for their baby’s arrival. After the baby is born, MIHOW focuses on fostering positive parent-child interactions, creating a safe and stable environment for the family, and supporting the caregiver’s physical and mental well-being. MIHOW’s vision is for all parents to have the skills, confidence, and support they need to raise and nurture healthy, happy children.
What is the model’s approach to providing home visiting services?
Home visits occur monthly, starting prenatally and continuing until the child turns 3 years old. Though families may enroll at any point, MIHOW standards mandate that at least 80 percent of families begin services during pregnancy.
MIHOW’s service population includes the following:
- Expectant caregivers
- First-time caregivers
- Caregivers under 21 years old
- Caregivers who are unmarried or single
- Caregivers with limited access to education
- Families with low incomes
- Caregivers experiencing physical/social isolation or limited support system
- Families experiencing language barriers
Who is implementing the model?
Home Visitors
MIHOW was implemented by 33 home visitors in 2024. The model requires that home visitors share the same background, culture, and life experiences as the families they serve. MIHOW recommends at least a high school diploma or GED for home visitors. The maximum caseload requirement for home visitors is 40 families.
Supervisors
MIHOW was implemented by 9 supervisors in 2024. The model recommends at least a bachelor’s degree for supervisors.
Where is the model implemented?
MIHOW operated in 8 local agencies across 6 states in 2024.
Families Served Through Evidence-Based Home Visiting in 2024
Race
5% American Indian Alaska Native
9% Asian
43% Black
* Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander
38% White
4% Multiple
Ethnicity
26% Hispanic or Latino
74% Not Hispanic or Latino
Primary language
45% English
25% Spanish
30% Another language
Caregiver age
16% ≤21 years
48% 22-29 years
32% 30-44 years
3% ≥45 years
Caregiver education
30% No HS diploma
45% HS diploma or GED
21% Some college or training
5% Bachelor's degree or higher
Household income
96% Low-income status
4% Not low-income status
Child insurance status
95% Public
4% Private
2% None
Child age
56% <1 year
40% 1-2 years
4% 3-5 years