A collaborative relationship was established between the Mississippi Coalition for Mothers and Babies, the Governor's Service Line, and the Mississippi State Department of Health for the purpose of providing outreach and referral to all poor pregnant women and children in need of access to appropriate health care services. The project had a dual focus, that of individual assistance and follow-up to families who requested service and that of program monitoring and evaluation of the perinatal service system including health and welfare departments and hospital and physician services. Citizens with problems receiving pregnancy or child health services were assisted by a perinatal nursing consultant. Problems reported by citizens were grouped into the categories of health departments, welfare departments, hospitals, physicians, and a general "other" category. Problems ranged from lack of publicity for health department programs to hospitals demanding preadmission deposits for maternity care. A publicity campaign was undertaken to inform citizens about services. A coalition of health care providers, government agencies, charities, and professional organizations addressed issues and analyzed policies. (Specific policy issues implemented and recommendations for future action are listed.) (ABL)