Tackling Maternal Health Challenges in Harris County and Beyond: Key Initiatives and Solutions
In the United States, approximately 50,000 mothers and birthing persons experience severe health complications during pregnancy each year, with some ultimately losing their lives. Alarmingly, experts estimate that 80% of these deaths are preventable. Among the areas of greatest concern is Harris County, which currently ranks as having the third-highest maternal death rate in the country.
This crisis highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in maternal healthcare to protect the lives of mothers, birthing persons, and their families. Observed annually on January 23, Maternal Health Awareness Day serves as a pivotal moment to raise awareness, promote education, and advocate for improved maternal care, with a focus on addressing disparities in maternal outcomes.
The State of Maternal Health in the U.S. and Harris County
Maternal health outcomes in the U.S. are disheartening, especially for Black birthing persons, who are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. Harris County’s public health report from the 2024 Maternal and Infant Health Report reveals particularly troubling statistics: between 2016 and 2020, the maternal mortality rate for Black women and birthing persons was 65 deaths per 100,000 live births—more than double the county’s overall rate of 29 deaths per 100,000 live births.
These figures highlight the need for urgent action to reduce disparities in care and improve outcomes for all communities. The crisis calls for greater access to prenatal care, effective postpartum support, and policies that tackle the systemic factors contributing to these disparities.
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Harris County Public Health Responds
In response to these challenges, Harris County Public Health(HCPH) has been actively working to improve maternal health outcomes in the region. Through the Maternal Health Bill of Rights (MHBoR), HCPH aims to educate birthing persons and their families on their rights and provide them with tools to navigate the healthcare system. The goal is to ensure that individuals are equipped with the knowledge to advocate for themselves and access quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond.
To further its efforts, HCPH will host the Birthing a Brighter Future 5K Walk/Run on January 25, 2025, at MacGregor Park in Houston. This event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about maternal health, connect with local resources, and support families. In partnership with various local organizations, including Fit Houston, Houston Parks Board, and the Health Equity Collective, HCPH aims to create a supportive environment for better maternal health across the county.
Additionally, HCPH is planning the Maternal and Child Health Conference, set for April 15-16, 2025. The conference, themed “Curating Change, Transforming Communities, Building Healthier Families,” will bring together health professionals, community stakeholders, and those with lived experiences to discuss tangible solutions to improve maternal and child health.
HCPH’s Key Programs Supporting Maternal Health
HCPH provides a range of programs designed to support mothers and birthing persons before, during, and after pregnancy. These initiatives include:
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Maternal and Child Health Program (MCHP): Personalized home visits and connections to vital services to ensure healthy pregnancies and family growth. More information is available at hcphtx.org/MCHP.
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Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): A public health nutrition program supporting pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and their children under five. Learn more at hcphtx.org/WIC.
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ACCESS Harris County Black Maternal Health Cohort: A care-coordination model designed to connect vulnerable individuals with health, housing, and social services. Visit hcphtx.org/ACCESS for more information.
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Maternal Mental Health Services (MMH): Providing mental health support for families facing emotional challenges during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Details are available at hcphtx.org/MMH.
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Healthy Start: A new program focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality in priority zip codes, offering case management, health education, and community outreach. Visit hcphtx.org/HealthyStart for further details.
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Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Maternal health is a public health issue that affects us all. The disparities seen in Harris County reflect a broader national crisis, but with continued effort, change is possible. Maternal Health Awareness Day serves as a reminder that improving maternal care is a shared responsibility that requires advocacy, education, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of all birthing persons, especially those in vulnerable communities.
For more information about maternal health resources in Harris County, visit hcphtx.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
