The Department of Public Health (DPH) is a state agency that funds programs to help people make healthy choices for themselves and their families. The goal of many DPH programs is to prevent diseases, injuries, and early death. DPH also works on public policies to make sure people are living in healthy environments and have the resources that they need to make good health decisions.
DPH funds many different kinds of programs that are available in different parts of the state and address different health needs. As a result, DPH programs all have different eligibility requirements. If you want to know if a child or family is eligible for a certain DPH program, please check on the program that you are interested in to learn more about who can sign up and if the program is offered in your community.
Massachusetts Home Visiting Initiative (MHVI)
Massachusetts Home Visiting Initiative (MHVI)
MHVI provides evidence-based home visiting services to families across the state through local service agencies. It is part of the national Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV).
Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify. Contact WIC at (800) 942-1007.
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Early Intervention (EI)
Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) is a program for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years old) who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay. Learn about EI services, eligibility, and referrals.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
CLPPP helps prevent, screen, diagnose, and treat childhood lead poisoning. They work to eliminate sources of poisoning through research and educational, epidemiological, and clinical and environmental activities.
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School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs)
School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs)
School-Based Health Centers fortify kids by providing comprehensive care, building on strengths and protective factors, and creating connections with trusted adults. This creates a safe space where providers can help students gain the confidence and skills they need to maximize their learning, successfully navigate school, and understand that they have what it takes to reach their full potential.
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School Sealant Program (SEAL)
The School Sealant Program (SEAL)
SEALs is a school-based sealant program in which dental hygienists use portable dental equipment to provide screenings, education, dental sealants and fluoride, as well as referrals to a dental home, for children in need of restorative services.
Family Planning Programs
MDPH-funded Family Planning Programs
Family Planning Programs provide education and outreach as well as clinical and clinical wraparound services. Priority populations in Massachusetts, including adolescents and low-income residents, can access to low-or no-cost sexual and reproductive information and health care.
Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI)
The Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI)
MPPTI aims to increase life opportunities and enhance family stability among young families in the priority communities of Chelsea, Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford, and Springfield. Find MPPTI communities and more information about the initiative below.
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Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)
Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)
The Personal Responsibility Education program aims to increase reproductive health outcomes and life opportunities for youth in the Commonwealth through sexual health and adulthood preparation education. Through a partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), youth in both DPH funded community-based programs and DESE funded school districts receive high quality, age-appropriate, and medically accurate comprehensive sexuality education. These programs are rooted in the MDPH Office of Sexual Health and Youth Development’s core values of evidence-based programming, positive youth development, and racial justice.
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Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)
Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)
BSAS oversees the statewide system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals, families, and communities affected by gambling and substance addiction.
For more information related to services for youth and young adults, please go to the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at helplinema.org or call 1-800-327-5050
DPH Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs
Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs
The Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health works with families, providers, and others to support children and youth with special health needs ages birth to 22 and their families. This includes children and youth with chronic medical, physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions.