Committee hears pilot report on maternal‑child health outreach and workforce training

The committee moved to a second agenda item focusing on a pilot program to strengthen maternal and child health outreach and workforce supports for immigrant and Native communities.

A presenter described a pilot that paired culturally tailored, interpreter‑supported coaching with online supervision and in‑person components. The report authors said the approach improved training completion among community candidates otherwise excluded by conventional online modules and recommended expansion of coaching and additional funding for administrative capacity at small providers.

Presenters also flagged predatory consulting practices that charge small providers high fees (examples cited ranged from several thousand dollars to upwards of $15,000) and said these practices can weaken trust and create barriers to licensing and compliance. Committee members praised the pilot, asked follow‑up questions about accountability and technical assistance, and encouraged agencies to consider continued investment in effective, language‑accessible workforce models.

The presenters provided five recommendations for further investment and accountability measures; committee members asked staff to share the report with the Department of Human Services and other agencies for follow‑up.