Over a Century of Leadership for Maternal and Child Health in the United States: An Updated History of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) is the only federal agency solely focused on improving the health and well-being of all of America's mothers, children, and families. Founded in 1912 as the Children's Bureau, the Bureau has evolved over 110 years in response to the changing needs of MCH populations and shifting legislative and administrative priorities. The Bureau's role in promoting and protecting maternal and child health has grown, spurred by landmark legislation including the Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Care Act, Title V of the Social Security Act, and multiple programmatic authorizations.