Texas Health Resources is set to launch the Continuum of Care Maternal Health Program next month. The initiative aims to assist mothers by addressing nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, such as access to food, housing, transportation, and childcare.
Community health workers will provide one-on-one guidance to participants, helping them navigate these social determinants while also facilitating access to medication and medical providers, including primary care physicians and obstetricians.
Caryn Paulos, the senior director of faith and community health improvement at Texas Health, explained that the program seeks to help mothers connect with resources that address the root causes of health issues.
She noted that the system identified maternal health as a priority area due to significant challenges in the sector, specifically citing data showing that women of color face higher mortality rates and complications. Paulos stated that the goal is to make a difference in a field where a large majority of issues are considered preventable.
Beyond basic resource connection, the community health workers will screen participants for interpersonal violence and postpartum depression. When necessary, they will refer women to social workers and mental health services. The program also offers referrals to parenting classes and support groups.
Paulos emphasized that building trust is central to the model, noting that many workers speak Spanish and are matched with participants from their own neighborhoods to encourage open communication about needs that patients might not share with their doctors.
The program builds on an existing Texas Health initiative that supports individuals with chronic diseases by helping them build self-efficacy and connect to resources. Funding for the new maternal health effort comes from the North Texas Maternal Health Accelerator, an organization focused on reducing severe complications for pregnant women in Tarrant and Dallas counties.
