Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps

The mission of the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) is to assure, through the development and support of high quality coordinated systems, that children with special health care needs and their families obtain comprehensive care and services which are family-centered, community-based, and culturally sensitive. CMH is a state-administered program which operates within the Ohio Department of Health. The Bureau receives funding for services from the Federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, state general revenue funds, county tax funds, third party reimbursements, and donations.

The Bureau promotes early identification of children with handicapping conditions and treatment of those children by appropriate health care providers. Major components of the program include: conducting quality assurance activities to establish standards of care and to determine unmet needs of children with handicaps and their families; funding services for the diagnosis and treatment of medically eligible conditions; collaborating with public health nurses and local health departments to assist in increasing access to care; supporting service coordination for children with selected diagnoses; and assisting families to access and utilize appropriate sources of payment for services for their child.

CMH services provided by the health department include:

• Early identification and referral of children with potentially handicapping conditions 

• Service Coordination 

• Advocacy 

• Public Health Nurse (PHN) home visits to assist families to obtain, coordinate and understand services 

• Case management

PHN visits are made at least annually to each child enrolled in CMH. More frequent visits are made as needed or requested by the family.

Dava Booth, RN, Public Health Nurse: dbooth@vintonohhealth.org 740-596-5233