“Ask me ‘how are you doing? Do you have anything that you need help with?’ ‘Are you struggling with this?'”
– Woman in focus group
In order to help spread recognition and understanding of maternal morbidity and mortality issues in Harris County, as well as encourage the community to get involved in helping solve those issues, the Awareness Committee has created messaging maps specifically tailored to three audiences. These key audiences are important to reach in the effort of implementing the Improving Maternal Health plan. This ready-to-share information can be used as a tool when creating communication materials.
Mothers First Digital Series – Released Fall 2020
Join Houston Public Media in partnership with Improving Maternal Health Houston as we aim to debunk the many myths surrounding maternal mortality and provide women with information on how to care for themselves before, during, and after pregnancy.
To assist with dissemination of the episodes, we have created a toolkit for you to use on social media, your newsletters or publications.
- Episode 1: Implicit Bias Toolkit
- Episode 2: Medicaid Toolkit
- Episode 3: Midwives and Doulas Toolkit
- Episode 4: Domestic Violence and Pregnancy Toolkit
Awareness Committee
Diane Arms – Avenue 360 Health and Wellness
Heather Butscher – March of Dimes
Shelli Collins – Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
Kara Hill – Mental Health America – Greater Houston
Yvonne Harris (Chair)
Essi Havor – City of Houston Health Department
Esther Liew – Houston Food Bank
Debbie Marino – Avenue 360 Health and Wellness
Jolene Norbert-Harrell – Harris County Public Health
Christy Serrano – First 3 Years
Peggy Smith – Baylor Teen Health Clinic
Kathryn Tees – Community Health Choice
Renae Vania-Tomczak – Mental Health America – Greater Houston
Amber Weed – Harris County Precinct 1