Background:
In California, the percentage of premature and low birth weight infants and infant deaths continue to exceed national objectives. Ethnic and racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes continue to exist even though: 87% of mothers receive first trimester prenatal care; 85% of mothers begin breastfeeding in the hospital; and the teen birth rate has decreased substantially since the early 1990s. California's 2006-2010 Title V Needs Assessment, completed in July 2005, recognized the importance of preconception health and its direct correlation to infant and maternal well-being. One of the ten priorities identified by the 2005 Needs Assessment is to: Enhance preconception care and work toward eliminating disparities in infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Objectives:
To describe the process undertaken by the Maternal Child Adolescent Health /Office of Family Planning Branch (MCAH/OFP) to develop the Title V Implementation Plan; present the objectives and strategies specific to the priority regarding preconception health and provide updates on progress made toward meeting these objectives.

Methods:
A multi-level approach was followed to develop the plan and provide various avenues for input from partners. The MCAH/OFP Branch oversaw the following activities to ensure a comprehensive process:
• Input from MCAH/OFP Branch Section Chiefs and Program Managers;
• On-site meetings with representatives from nine county health departments;
• Input from MCAH Action, the statewide organization of local Maternal and Child Health Directors;
• Review and input from recognized experts in the MCAH field;
• Stakeholder meeting with representatives from academic, government and community based organizations;
• Public input via Web based posting of the plan.


Results:
Specific objectives are identified and strategies outlined that will lead to reaching the objective and ultimately addressing the targeted priority. Progress will be tracked through national performance measures, which are required by all states, and state-defined performance measures, which reflect California's priorities. Annual assessments highlight progress made in meeting the MCAH/OFP Branch goals, and objectives.

Conclusion and implications for practice:
The Implementation Plan strategies will continue to provide a framework for addressing MCAH needs and assist the MCAH/OFP Branch in policy and program planning for the future.