Maternal Infant Outreach Program
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.
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.
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).
Women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or already have a child are eligible.
Through a simple intake form with your community health worker (CHW) by phone or in person.
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.
Your CHW can come to your home or a nearby location to meet with you.
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.
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.
Your participation is voluntary. You can discontinue services at any time.
Citywide SPACE
Citywide SPACE (Supporting Perinatal Access, Care, and Equity) 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)