Funded Projects

Gulf Coast Collaborative Center for Maternal Health Research, Education, Advanced Training, Community Engagement, Health Equity and Justice at Texas Southern University (MH-REACHTSU)

Grantee: TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator: Omonike Olaleye
Project Number: UR6MC50354
Project Date: 9/30/2023

Age group(s)

• Women/Maternal

Targeted/Underserved Population

• African American

Abstract

Texas Southern University (TSU) proposes to establish "The Gulf Coast Collaborative Center for Maternal Health Research, Education, Advanced Training, Community Engagement, Health Equity, and Justice at Texas Southern University" (MH-REACHTSU) in collaboration with Texas Medical Center (TMC) institutions, the greater Houston community, and Harris County. Our primary research goal is to investigate, understand, and eliminate the underlying causes of the persistent rise in maternal mortality rates among African American (AA) women in the Houston and Harris County communities. Aligned with TSU's mission, the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, and HRSA's mission to improve the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families, the MH-REACHTSU research center aims to develop an innovative and comprehensive care model that incorporates maternal health best practices for AA women, focusing on preventable contributors to adverse maternal health outcomes in Public Health Regions, including Harris County and the greater Houston community. MH-REACHTSU will employ a community-based participatory research approach guided by the Life Course Theory conceptual framework to execute research, education, training, and community engagement initiatives. Life Course Theory provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of individual experiences, social contexts, and structural factors on health outcomes throughout a person's lifespan. By applying this framework, we will investigate the various life stages and transitions that contribute to adverse maternal health outcomes in the AA population, focusing on addressing preventable factors and promoting health equity. Through the integration of community engagement strategies, MH-REACHTSU will work closely with community members, stakeholders, and partner organizations to ensure the research and interventions are culturally sensitive, relevant, and impactful. This community-based approach will enable us to gather insights, co-create solutions, and foster collaboration to address the unique challenges and disparities AA women face in maternal health. Strategic collaborations with academic institutions, HRSA, maternal health research networks, community and faith-based organizations, federally qualified health centers, and local healthcare systems will provide advanced infrastructure, accessible resources, and quality healthcare to support our transdisciplinary and collaborative maternal health research team. Within MH-REACHTSU, we propose two applied research projects, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, community engagement and local health provider studios, and up to eight applied pilot study projects conducted by early-stage investigators in collaboration with the community to contribute to developing and implementing a novel maternal healthcare equity model tailored to the AA population. Our goal is to enhance maternal health and well-being in our communities before, during, and after delivery. Through the MH-REACHTSU initiative, TSU aims to address the urgent need for improved maternal health outcomes and reduced disparities among AA women. By advancing research, education, training, community engagement, and health equity, guided by the Life Course Theory framework, we strive to significantly impact maternal health, aligning with national priorities and our commitment to serving the community.