The Life Course Approach offers a new way of looking at health as an integrated continuum over a life time. This perspective suggests that a complex interplay of biological, behavioral, psychological, social, and environmental factors contribute to health outcomes across the course of a person's life. It builds on recent social science and public health literature that posits that each life stage influences the next and that social, economic, and physical environments interacting across the life course have a profound impact on individual and community health.

A newly released MCH Life Course Toolbox features life course resources, a discussion board, the Life Course Game, and Facilitator's Kit. This Toolbox is an online resource for researchers, academics, practitioners, and others to share information, strategies, and tools to integrate the life course perspective into maternal and child health (MCH) work at the local, state, and national levels.  

Check out the website, register to receive email updates, and post to the discussion board here. This toolbox was made possible through a partnership with the California Endowment and funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

HRSA's Bureau of Maternal and Child Health has also compiled a list of excellent resources including archived webinars and presentations about the Life Course Model. To view these resources please click here.