The Division of Child and Community Health and Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC) provide gap-filling clinical care, health assessments, care coordination, and family-to-family support for Iowa children and youth with special health care needs and their families.
Clinical Care
CHSC has a network of regional centers and satellite locations across Iowa, employing more than 90 clinical providers, public health professionals, and family navigators. Together they are a resource for the families of Iowa's 143,000 children and youth with special health care needs, including chronic conditions, mental or behavioral health diagnoses, developmental or genetic disorders, and intellectual disabilities. View Child Health Specialty Clinics locations and learn more about programs offered.
CHSC also provides access to pediatric specialists through a statewide telehealth network. We are leaders in public health initiatives for the state and run a family navigator program in partnership with the State of Iowa Department of Public Health.
Programs, Training & Outreach
- 1st Five
- Early ACCESS
- Family Engagement
- Health & Disability Waiver
- Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute
- Iowa Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative
- Nutrition Services
- Regional Autism Assistance Program
- Storytelling for Families
- Transition to Adult Health Care
Guiding Principles
The foundation of CHSC’s funding comes from the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, part of the 1935 Social Security Act. Each state receives a “block” of funding to improve the health, safety, and well-being of all mothers and children.
In Iowa, the Title V Programs for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs is guided by three priorities:
- Access to community-based services and supports, pediatric specialty providers, and coordination of care.
- Support for families of youth and young adults making the transition to adulthood.
- Support for parenting children and youth with special health care needs.
A Faculty-focused Academic Medical Center
UI Health Care faculty enjoy defined academic time, plus benefits like doubling your retirement contribution. With a short commute and low cost of home ownership, it's no surprise we attract the best academically trained providers.
Latest Division News
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Vanessa Curtis, MD
Division Contact Information
Child Health Specialty Clinics
Division of Child and Community Health
100 Hawkins Drive, 247 CDD
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 1-319-356-3808
Division Support Staff: Ursula Ferrier
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