Houston, TX
We are working together to address the issues furthering health inequities for families in Houston.
Our Work Together
Partnering with local government, state leaders, corporate health partners and community-based organizations and stakeholders, our Local Collective Impact Initiative will confront challenges by building solutions to achieve health and racial equity for all moms and babies.
Challenges Facing Local Moms and Babies
Houston is our nation's fourth-largest city. With no racial or ethnic majority, it has one of the fastest-growing and most diverse populations anywhere in the world, with a talented workforce cutting across the energy, health care, aerospace and information technology sectors. Houston anchors Harris County, which is our nation's third largest county with 4.7 million residents. With just over 67,000 live births, Harris County babies accounted for approximately one-fifth of all babies born in Texas in 2018.
The area also faces challenges. Poverty and food insecurity, alongside factors such as inadequate access to health care and being uninsured, help fuel the local maternal and infant health crisis. These factors contribute to high rates of preterm birth, infant mortality and severe maternal morbidity, particularly for communities of color.
PRETERM BIRTH BY RACE/ETHNICITY
Houston, 2017-2019 Average
INFANT MORTALITY RATES BY RACE/ETHNICITY
Harris County, 2016-2018 Average
News & Resources
The article showcases local data from the March of Dimes 2020 Report Card, including the rising rates of preterm birth.
The article highlights data from the March of Dimes 2020 Report Card, including rates of preterm birth and infant mortality.
March of Dimes’ volunteer advocates Ebony Baylor and Leisa Holland-Nelson talk about their mission to help end the health equity gap and support all moms and babies regardless of wealth, race or geography.
GET INVOLVED
Every family can have the best possible start. But today, too many moms and babies are dying or experiencing serious health complications related to childbirth—and far too many are moms and babies of color. Only by working together can we confront inequities and ensure the health and wellbeing of every family.
