Breaking away: advocacy, education, and the relationship between Maternal and Child Health Professionals and the American Public Health Association.

Since its founding in 1921, the mission of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) has been to develop innovative and creative approaches to addressing the health needs of mothers, children, and families. However, the growth and structure of APHA have impeded the capacity of MCH Section members to accomplish this mission. An independent organization would enhance the effectiveness of advocacy by MCH professionals and facilitate the dissemination of new strategies to address the needs of mothers and children. Consistent with the evolution of the profession of MCH, MCH professionals should withdraw from APHA and create a freestanding organization.