ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Health Resources is expanding support for mothers and babies across North Texas with the launch of a maternal health program that provides free education, guidance and connections to care before, during and after pregnancy.

Through the Continuum of Care Maternal Health Program, community health workers will help expectant women and mothers during the first year after delivery navigate healthcare needs and address everyday challenges that impact their well-being. The services will include providing links to medical services and community organizations.

“Texas Health recognizes that good maternal health is influenced by more than medical care alone. Factors such as access to transportation, healthy food or stable housing can have a significant impact on a woman’s health during and after pregnancy,” said Catherine Oliveros, DrPH, Texas Health’s vice president of Community Health Improvement. “Through this new program, community health workers will help identify and address those challenges, giving mothers and babies the resources they need to thrive.”

The program kicks off Sept. 10 with a Community Baby Shower for expecting or new mothers on the second floor of Texas Health Pavilion, 600 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76011. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register here by Sept. 2.

The program is supported in part by a grant from the North Texas Maternal Health Accelerator, a regional collaboration among Texas Christian University’s Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Texas Health Resources and other major North Texas health systems and groups. The goal is to reduce severe obstetric complications by 20% over the next three years.

The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is also providing support.

"Some of the most important opportunities to improve maternal and infant health happen outside the walls of the hospital,” said Gretchen Clark, M.S.N., RNC-OB, C-ONQS, NEA-BC, REC-C, Director of the Woman and Infants service line for Texas Health. “By meeting mothers where they are and helping them navigate challenges that can impact their health and their baby’s health, we can identify concerns earlier, remove barriers to care, and provide more consistent support during a time that is both exciting and vulnerable. When mothers receive the right care at the right time, families, communities, and future generations all benefit."

To help the program reach more families beyond the grant-funded service areas, Texas Health has cross-trained community health workers who focus on chronic disease management at its hospitals across North Texas to also provide maternal health support to patients identified as needing support.

“These team members are equipped with maternal health resources and referral information they can use in other communities we serve,” said Caryn Paulos, M.S.N., R.N.-BC, senior director of Faith/Community Health Improvement for Texas Health. “Every mother deserves access to care, resources and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for her child, and we are proud to make those connections possible.”

For more information about the Continuum of Care Maternal Health Program or to see if you qualify, click here.