What We Do

For 25 years, NICHQ (pronounced ‘nitch-cue’) has been guided by a profound passion for every child to achieve their optimal health. As a bold organization of innovative and passionate collaborators, we have earned a reputation as a national leader for improving the health and well-being of mothers and birthing people, children, and their families. 

We make meaningful change in maternal and child health.

Creating our vision where every child achieves their optimal health is hard work. At the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality, we partner with families and communities, hospital systems, and local, state, and federal public health agencies to reduce health disparities and improve maternal and child health.

By building partnerships, encouraging collaboration, and providing data-driven evaluation services and technical assistance, NICHQ supports those who impact the systems underlying children’s health. We know that when we work in close partnership with patients, families, and their communities to drive change, achieving better health outcomes for all children is even more possible.

The Q is for Quality

NICHQ is a leader in change management, with a strong foundation in quality improvement methods to improve maternal and child health. Our flexible approach creates the optimal environment to develop, test, and share critical information and innovative ideas for sustainable improvement and ongoing learning. We work with multidisciplinary teams of health experts, community partners, practitioners, and families to define complex problems and design rigorous, data-driven strategies that deliver impact now – and for the future.

Our Core Values

We co-created our Values over the course of nearly a year, resulting in statements reflective of our entire organization. These values are both our north star and a reminder of what we strive to do every day – help every child achieve their optimal health. 

Collaboration

We engage diverse partners in shared learning, action, and measurement to improve systems of care and eliminate inequities for children and families.

Innovation

We create and promote new approaches for lasting systems change to improve children’s health.

Data-Driven Impact

We use applied research and evaluation to make data-driven decisions that accelerate measurable changes to health outcomes for all children.

Passion and Influence

We are determined to influence transformative, equitable change for the health of children and their families.

Equity

We prioritize health equity and elevate experiences of children and families in marginalized communities to challenge systemic inequities.

What people are saying about NICHQ programs and partnerships