DSHS implements and collaborates in several efforts related to improving maternal health in Texas.  

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee  

The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee began its work in late 2014 with administrative and epidemiologic support from DSHS. The multidisciplinary review committee studies and reviews maternal death cases and statewide data trends, as well as makes recommendations impacting maternal mortality in Texas. More information and the latest review committee reports can be found the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee webpage.    

Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology  

One of Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology’s (MCH-Epi) core functions is scientific research. This critical work informs and drives all prevention programming aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. MCH-Epi also has a role in producing reports and publications on maternal health, which can be found on the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Publications and Presentations webpage.  

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System is a survey designed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and monitor health behaviors before, during, and after pregnancy through a survey of women who have recently given birth. DSHS administers the survey in Texas and uses this information to gauge where education and awareness efforts are needed.    

Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies 

The Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies (TCHMB) is a perinatal quality collaborative that is supported through a Title V-funded contract with the University of Texas. TCHMB advances health care quality and patient safety for mothers and meets quarterly to address emerging issues related to maternal health outcomes.  

DSHS Breastfeeding Support Program

The DSHS Breastfeeding Support Program is a multi-component program to reduce barriers to breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity and to support the healthy practice of breastfeeding. DSHS leads several efforts, and also partners with Texas WIC and other programs to encourage adoption of best-practice breastfeeding support strategies in health care, employment, and community settings. Learn more about breastfeeding benefits at dshs.texas.gov/texasmotherfriendly.

Smoking Cessation

DSHS participates in initiatives to increase referrals to the Texas Quitline, which, in part, offers confidential phone and web counseling services and resources to decrease smoking among women of childbearing age and reduce maternal smoking.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The DSHS Maternal and Child Health program work is advanced through collaboration and partnerships with many national and state agencies, organizations, and universities. The goal of these collaborations is to harness the expertise of multidisciplinary professionals who share an interest in helping to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in Texas.  

A prime example of this collaboration is the Maternal Mortality Forum that was held in partnership with the Texas Medical Association. More information on the forum can be found on Texas Medical Association website.

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