Children on ground holding hands in a circle representing community in Autism

El Paso County Public Health

Maternal and Child Health Program (MCH)

Bright Starts Pediatrics partners with community organizations that help families move from diagnosis to real-world support. One of those partners is the El Paso County Public Health Maternal and Child Health Program, a no-cost resource for families navigating medical, developmental, and behavioral needs.

What Is the Maternal and Child Health Program?

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program is a public health program serving El Paso County children and youth from birth through age 21.

The program is staffed by nurses who understand the unique needs of children and families. Their role is to help families feel confident navigating health care systems, accessing services, and advocating for their child’s needs.

Support is provided:

At no cost
With no referral required
With no eligibility requirements

How the MCH Program Supports Families

MCH staff work alongside families to reduce barriers and connect them with the right resources. Support may include:

One-on-one outreach by phone
Help identifying medical, behavioral, or mental health needs
Assistance navigating complex systems and paperwork
Guidance accessing community and public health resources

Families may be connected to support such as:

Health insurance and benefit programs
Food, transportation, housing, and utility assistance
Childcare and respite resources
Primary care, behavioral health care, and dental services
Medical equipment, medications, and specialized services

The goal is to help families feel supported, informed, and empowered.

Waivers and Medicaid-Related Supports

MCH staff can also help families understand and navigate Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) options, including:

Children’s Extensive Support (CES) Waiver
Children with Complex Health Needs (CwCHN) Waiver
Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) Waiver
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Children with Disabilities
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
Community First Choice (CFC) services

These programs can support children with developmental disabilities, medical complexity, or intensive behavioral needs, helping families keep their child at home and in the community whenever possible.

How This Resource Connects With Bright Starts Pediatrics

After an autism evaluation, ADHD evaluation, or developmental assessment at Bright Starts Pediatrics, families often ask:

“What support is available next?”
“How do we navigate systems outside the clinic?”

The Maternal and Child Health Program helps bridge that gap by supporting families with coordination, education, and access to community resources that align with evaluation recommendations.

This collaboration allows families to move forward with clearer guidance and less overwhelm.

Who Can Contact the MCH Program?

Any family in El Paso County with a child or youth from birth to age 21 can reach out directly. No diagnosis, referral, or insurance requirement is needed.

Contact Information

Families can contact the Maternal and Child Health Program directly:

Phone: (719) 578-3204
Email: [email protected]

Completed resource navigation request forms can also be submitted by email.

Our Shared Goal

At Bright Starts Pediatrics, we believe evaluations are only one part of supporting a child and their family. Community partnerships like the Maternal and Child Health Program help ensure families have access to the broader support systems they need to thrive.

FAQs – Maternal and Child Health Program

Who can use the Maternal and Child Health Program in El Paso County?

Any family in El Paso County with children or youth from birth through age 21 can access support. There are no income limits, referrals, or eligibility requirements.

Do I need a diagnosis to contact the MCH Program?

No. Families do not need a diagnosis to reach out. The program supports families at many stages, whether you’re seeking answers, navigating services, or coordinating care.

How can this program help after an autism or ADHD evaluation?

After an evaluation, MCH staff can help families understand available community resources, public programs, and supports that align with the recommendations in their child’s report.

Why does Bright Starts collaborate with the Maternal and Child Health Program?

Because families often need support beyond the clinic. The MCH Program helps bridge the gap between evaluation findings and real-world resources, making next steps feel more manageable.

Support Beyond the Evaluation

An evaluation can bring clarity, but families often need help navigating what comes next.

At Bright Starts Pediatrics, we partner with trusted community programs like the Maternal and Child Health Program to help families move from understanding to action. Together, we support Colorado Springs families with clear evaluations, thoughtful recommendations, and connections to resources that make daily life more manageable.

If you’re looking for answers or support, you don’t have to do it alone.