The purpose of the IMHA-MD/DC is to support the promotion of healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of infants from pre-conception through early childhood through advocacy and training in creating safe, supportive, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments.

Membership is open to anyone who wishes to join our collective efforts. The more diverse our Association is, including families, home visitors, child care providers, social workers, educators,  psychologists, psychiatrists, and anyone else serving young children and families, the better we will be able to support our communities in Maryland and D.C.

• Furthering the understanding that infancy is a sensitive period in the development of children

• Partnering with families, workforce, caregivers, early childhood professionals, and leaders

• Honoring and incorporating the unique needs and preferences of families into available services;

• Helping to build a competent, collaborative, and trauma-informed cross-system workforce

• Advocating and expanding education, research, and study of the developing brain including the effects of adversity and resilience factors on health and well-being throughout the lifespan

• Identifying and enhancing research-informed practices and programs of care, intervention, and prevention