Know What’s at Stake for Improving Maternal Health

January 23 highlights critical issues in maternal care

HOUSTON – Every year, about 50,000 mothers and birthing persons in the United States face serious health complications during pregnancy, and some of these complications sadly lead to death. The most alarming part of the crisis is that 80% of these deaths could be prevented. Unfortunately, Harris County has the third-highest maternal death rate in the country, highlighting the urgent need to improve maternal health.

Maternal Health Awareness Day, observed on January 23 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and advocating for better maternal care. The goal is to promote a better understanding of maternal health, encourage healthy practices, and support policies that improve the well-being of pregnant and birthing individuals. Maternal health includes a wide range of issues, including access to prenatal care, postpartum support, addressing disparities in maternal mortality rates, and other issues.

Differences in maternal outcomes continue to persist. For example, Black birthing persons are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. According to the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) 2024 Maternal and Infant Health Report, between 2016 and 2020, Harris County’s 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 numbers highlight the need for systemic changes to eliminate disparities and improve outcomes for all families.

HCPH is addressing these challenges through the Maternal Health Bill of Rights (MHBoR), which educates and empowers birthing persons and their families about their rights, promotes healthy habits, and ensures access to quality care before, during, and after pregnancy. Through the MHBoR, HCPH aims to be a trusted resource for maternal health information and support in the community.

As part of these efforts, HCPH will host the Birthing a Brighter Future 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, January 25, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at MacGregor Park, 5225 Calhoun Dr., Houston, TX 77021. This event invites Harris County residents to learn, celebrate, and support mothers, birthing persons, and families while connecting with local resources. In partnership with Fit HoustonHouston Parks BoardHealth Equity Collective, and OST South Union Health Improvement Partnership (OHIP), HCPH encourages the community to take steps toward healthier futures. Anyone interested in attending can register at bit.ly/HCPH-5KWalkRun.

HCPH will also host the Maternal and Child Health Conference on April 15-16, 2025, with the theme, “Curating Change, Transforming Communities, Building Healthier Families.” This event will bring together health professionals, community organizations, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experiences to discuss solutions for improving maternal and child health. [IK1] 

HCPH also offers several programs designed to improve maternal and child health:

The Maternal and Child Health Program (MCHP)

The MCHP offers personalized home visiting support, emotional and educational resources, and connections to vital services to help ensure healthy pregnancies and family growth. For more information about the program, visit www.hcphtx.org/MCHP, email maternalchildhealth@phs.hctx.net, or call 713-368-MOMS (6667).

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC, a public health nutrition program managed by the Texas Department of State Health Services, supports pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and those who have recently given birth, as well as infants and children under the age of five. For more information, visit  www.hcphtx.org/WIC. For appointments, call 713-407-5800.

ACCESS Harris County Black Maternal Health Cohort

Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency (ACCESS) Harris County is an integrated care-coordination model that connects vulnerable individuals to resources addressing health, housing, financial, and social needs through a dedicated care team. For more information, visit www.hcphtx.org/ACCESS.

Maternal Mental Health Services (MMH)

MMH, an initiative of HCPH’s Behavioral Health Program, supports families in managing the emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum periods, offering comprehensive mental health services to ensure holistic well-being. For more information, visit www.hcphtx.org/MMH, email MaternalMentHlthPrgm@phs.hctx.net, or call 832-927-1335.

Healthy Start

Healthy StartHCPH’s newest program, is focusing on reducing maternal and infant mortality in 14 priority zip codes. It provides case management, health education, and community outreach to support and educate expectant and new birthing persons. For more information, visit www.hcphtx.org/HealthyStart, email HealthyStart@phs.hctx.net, or call 713-368-MOMS (6667).

Join HCPH in raising awareness for improved maternal health on January 23 and throughout the year. Follow HCPH on FacebookInstagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for updates and additional resources. For more information, visit hcphtx.org.