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 55 home visitors in 2025. 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 18 supervisors in 2025. The model recommends at least a bachelor’s degree for supervisors.
Where is the model implemented?
MIHOW operated in 10 local agencies across 6 states in 2025.
Families Served Through Evidence-Based Home Visiting in 2025
Race
* American Indian Alaska Native
9% Asian
41% Black
4% Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander
38% White
8% Multiple
Ethnicity
32% Hispanic or Latino
68% Not Hispanic or Latino
Primary language
55% English
27% Spanish
18% Another language
Caregiver age
15% ≤21 years
51% 22-29 years
33% 30-44 years
<1% ≥45 years
Caregiver education
31% No HS diploma
41% HS diploma or GED
21% Some college or training
6% Bachelor's degree or higher
Household income
97% Low-income status
3% Not low-income status
Child insurance status
94% Public
5% Private
1% None
Child age
47% <1 year
47% 1-2 years
6% 3-5 years