The Citywide Maternal Health Equity Collaborative is a collective movement rooted in a shared commitment to improving birthing outcomes and advancing Black maternal health in Austin.
Born out of deep community collaboration and guided by the principle that nothing about community should happen without community input, this initiative brings together dedicated partners across the city, parents, advocates, doulas, care providers, public health professionals, and local leaders, who believe every person deserves a safe, respectful, and supported birth experience.
At our most recent summit, we united around three key areas of focus:
- Training & Learning Care – Advancing culturally responsive education and support for providers and community members
- Resource Mapping – Identifying and connecting critical maternal health services across Austin
- Strengthening Community–Health System Ties – Building trust and collaboration between families and the systems that serve them
The Collaborative aims to amplify the powerful efforts already happening across our city and integrate them into broader health and social systems. This is a pivotal time, and your insights, voices, and lived experiences are the heart of it all.
Together, we’re not just imagining better outcomes - we’re building them! Join us in creating a future where every birth is safe, supported, and rooted in equity.
Join a Workgroup
Want to contribute your expertise, lived experience, or passion to this work? Our collaborative thrives on the voices and leadership of community members.
🔗 Click here to sign up for a Workgroup
(Choose from: Training & Learning Care • Resource Mapping • Strengthening Community–Health System Ties)
The Maternal Infant Outreach Program (MIOP) provides peer support and advocacy to Austin’s Black and African American women who are pregnant in efforts to address and eliminate the stark racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality.
The MIOP Team
MIOP's team consists of DSHS Certified Community Health Workers (CHWs) with direct lived experience who provide psychosocial support to Black and African American women in Travis County. MIOP CHWs are paired with expecting mothers and provide one-on-one support through home visits, navigation of social services, and overall maternal and infant health education through a reproductive justice lens. Our team comes from the very communities we serve, which uniquely qualifies their deep understanding of strengths and struggles experienced in Austin's Black and African American communities.
-(1).png)
The Why
A significant racial disparity is evident when examining the data on infant mortality locally. Of infant deaths in Austin for 2021, 16% were Black, when Black people make up only 7.8% of the Austin population according to 2019 Census population estimates. In comparison, 35% of the infant deaths were White and Non-Hispanic; however, White and Non-Hispanic people account for a larger percentage (48.3%) of the Austin population. (Austin Public Health, 2022)
Nationwide, Black women are 3x more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women (CDC, 2022).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify? Women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or already have a child are eligible.
How do I apply? Through a simple intake form with your community health worker (CHW) by phone or in person.
Who will provide support from MIOP? MIOP has a number of different CHWs that can be assigned to you. All have participated in extensive, culturally specific training and have undergone background checks.
I don't have transportation. How will I meet with my CHW? Your CHW can come to your home or a nearby location to meet with you.
What if I feel like my CHW is not a good fit for me? We understand the importance of having a CHW you are comfortable with. You can interview more than one CHW to find the best fit for you. If you prefer to switch to a different CHW, you can do so at any time.
How long can I be in the program? Pregnant women can receive support for up to one year after the birth of their child. Women who are not pregnant may also be eligible for services.
What if I no longer want to be in this program? Your participation is voluntary. You can discontinue services at any time.