My journey to walking for 30 minutes a day as a radical act of self-care and as an opportunity to focus on my health began in 2016. What set out to be a short walk with both my mom and my sister, would unknowingly become a life-changing moment for my entire family. read more…

Because kids don’t come with instructions, Bright by Text is providing support to expecting or recent parents through their intuitive text messaging service. As part of a larger nationwide initiative, First3Years and other local service providers are teaming up to bring the Bright by Text program to Harris County. Parents and caregivers of young children — from prenatal to age 8 — can subscribe to this free messaging service available in English and Spanish. Messages will highlight easy, practical tips and activities timed exactly to your due date or your child’s age. read more…

Young Invincibles (YI) was started in 2009 by a group of college students in their cafeteria and stands today, a nationwide organization uplifting the voices of young people. Initially in response to the national discussion about healthcare reform, YI now also advocates on behalf of young people regarding issues related to higher education and economic security. read more…

The Alief neighborhood in southwestern Harris County is home to one of Houston’s most diverse populations. Immigrants, refugees, middle- and working-class families contribute to a strong identity here. As project coordinator for the Maternal Upstream Management (MUM) project serving the Alief community, our main goal is to address not just the immediate health of women and their families but the contributing factors that influence it. read more…

One in two women have high blood pressure. For women aged 65 and older, they are more likely than men have high blood pressure. While high blood pressure is not directly related to gender, throughout a woman’s life, including pregnancy, pregnancy prevention (birth control) and menopause can increase a woman’s risk of developing high blood pressure. read more…

Understanding that situations like these arise out of a multitude of intertwined factors, the Cradles Project is a free and confidential service aimed at providing comprehensive services. These include intensive case management; parenting, trauma, and emotion regulation skills development; and substance use disorder resources and education. read more…

Santa Maria Hostel is Texas’ largest multi-site residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment center for women and one of a very few to provide a comprehensive continuum for pregnant and parenting women and their children. Full of programs and services aimed at supporting long term wellness and recovery, Santa Maria Hostel is proud to have a long-term impact on individuals and families they serve. read more…

A woman’s history with illicit substances rarely begins or ends with pregnancy, despite it being one of the most motivating factors to quit. For many expecting mothers struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), their main goal is to have a safe pregnancy and delivery and to be able to take their healthy baby home and continue parenting them. However, in this critical time, fragmented systems of care often fail to support and treat women with SUD. Substance use now puts mothers and infants at high risk for poor health outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). read more…

While short 15 to 30 minute prenatal visits with a physician can provide important and concise healthcare for an expecting mother, March of Dimes’ Supportive Pregnancy Care program is transforming the typical prenatal visit. During group sessions, women with similar due dates and their obstetric provider are brought together in a peer-led discussion. read more…