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Maternal Health

Mothers are dying in Tarrant County. They don’t have to.

Tarrant County’s maternal mortality rate is higher than the national average. Recent research released by the state shows that Black women are 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than white women in Texas. Additionally, 12% of pregnancy-related deaths are related to discrimination and 90% have some chance of being preventable. Compounding this, our 76104 ZIP code has had the worst health disparities and lowest life expectancy in the state. 

We’re working to change these statistics.

Many factors contribute to these issues. Mothers in low-income communities or communities of color may not having access to culturally appropriate medical care. Others may encounter a trust divide with medical providers. 

TeamBirth

TeamBirth is coming to Tarrant County birthing hospitals. TeamBirth is designed to improve patient care by giving mothers a voice in their labor experience, improving communication throughout labor and delivery and empowering every person to be a part of the birth team. This innovative care model was developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems and innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

As the first to implement TeamBirth in Texas, we’re partnering with local hospitals to ensure better maternal outcomes. Local hospitals are integrating TeamBirth now with the expected launch in January 2025. The first cohort adopters include Baylor Scott & White, JPS Health Network and Texas Health Resources.

 

Support Maternal Health

Thank you to the Paul E. Andrews, Jr. Foundation, the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation, and the Morris Foundation for supporting UWTC’s maternal health programming.  

We are actively fundraising to continue our work and expand it outside of the 76104 ZIP code, and have a $1M matching gift from an anonymous donor to start. Please consider giving today!

tarrant county

Initial funding for the community doula program in ZIP code 76104 was provided through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by Tarrant County.

Our Mission in Action

Sofia Pimienta, UWTC Community Doula

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: New doula program uses advocacy to target racial gap in maternal mortality in Fort Worth

12/12/24

Sofia Pimienta had a rough childbirth with her first son in 2020. The medical staff, she said, broke her water too early, administered an epidural early, and insisted on a C-section, which she didn’t want but accepted. When she was pregnant with her second son she decided to hire a doula. A doula is a non-medical professional who provides support with information preparedness, guidance, companionship and coaching during and after a pregnancy. 

UWTC 2024 Community Doula Graduates

UWTC Celebrates Graduation of 120 Community Doulas, Advancing Maternal Health in the Region

11/05/24

Marking a major achievement in our efforts to improve health outcomes for women and families across the region, United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) proudly celebrated the graduation of 120 community doulas from our mental health program on October 26. 

United Way of Tarrant County doulas at a doula training.

CBS Texas: Trained community doulas to improve maternal, infant health in Fort Worth

11/04/24

A group of 120 trained doulas will soon be sent into the community to help save the lives of moms and babies in the area of Fort Worth with the worst health disparities.

A group of 120 trained doulas will soon be sent into the community to help save the lives of moms and babies in the area of Fort Worth with the worst health disparities.