The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced a new investment of over $4 million to broaden the reach of the Maternal Health Accelerator (MHA). The coalition, created four years ago by community leaders and medical schools, works to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns in Tarrant and Dallas counties, where maternal mortality rates have been among the highest in the nation.
Local families see immediate help
Fort Worth resident Bessie Bronstein knows the difference firsthand. After a high‑blood‑pressure complication forced an emergency cesarean section, her son Bernie arrived 10 weeks early, weighing just 2½ pounds. He spent three months in the NICU before coming home.
While Bernie was still in the NICU, a representative from the MHA visited Bronstein at home. “Having someone come to the house and walk me through everything was super helpful for my mental health,” she said. The program’s home‑visits, phone counseling, and digital resources helped her navigate the confusing postpartum period.
How the accelerator works
The MHA connects pregnant and postpartum women with a menu of services, including regular medical check‑ups, iron supplements, health screenings, and assistance with transportation barriers. Any woman—whether she is expecting her first child or caring for a newborn—can enroll at any time.
Susan Garnett, CEO of MHMR of Tarrant County, explained that the program is designed for a wide range of needs. “Some people may need very little support, others may need a lot. Either way, we’re there to help them build resilience and feel confident as mothers,” she said. The initiative also offers the Help Me Grow app, allowing mothers to request services, receive referrals, and track their health goals.
Medical partners and data‑driven results
Led by Texas Christian University’s Burnett School of Medicine and UT Southwestern Medical Center, the MHA collaborates with health‑care providers such as MHMR and other community partners across the region. Associate professor Dr. Shena Dillon highlighted the program’s focus on early warning signs like high blood pressure and pre‑eclampsia, conditions that can lead to premature delivery and extended hospital stays.
With the new state funding, program leaders expect to serve more families and expand data collection in partnership with HHSC. “We’ll be able to track how many lives are saved and how severe obstetric complications are reduced across North Texas,” said program founder and Tarrant County health advocate Dr. Parker.
Community impact and future outlook
Maternal mortality in Tarrant County remains the second‑highest in the nation, with certain ZIP codes—such as 76104—standing out as hotspots. The infusion of state dollars aims to turn those statistics around by providing timely care and education to mothers who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Bronstein, who now watches her son thrive at home, praised the accelerator’s role in her recovery. “I’m so glad we’ve made it and we’re here,” she said, reflecting the gratitude of many families who have benefited from the program.
As the MHA expands, the coalition hopes to create a model that other Texas regions can replicate, reinforcing the state’s commitment to healthier mothers, stronger families, and thriving communities.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
