This past Saturday, May 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 6 Regional Director, Sima Ladjevardian, and HHS’ The Partnership Center Director, Reverend Dr. Que English, convened with faith leaders for the Faith + Works Black Maternal Health Community Conversation and Call to Action at Texas Southern University.

Participants included U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX- 18), Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, maternal health experts, federal partners, and community members to identify ways the faith community can support moms experiencing maternal health challenges and change the trajectory of maternal mortality. This event examined the ways Harris County community leaders are working collaboratively to eliminate barriers to accessing pre-conception and post-conception maternal health support and will raise awareness about maternal resources available in Houston and Harris County. According to the 2021 March of Dimes Report Card, Harris County received an F in preterm births, with black women making up the highest number of preterm births at 15.8% in Harris County and 41% of preterm births in Texas. Preterm (premature) birth, which is a live birth before 37-weeks’ gestation, is one of the most pressing challenges to maternal, infant, and child

health in the United States.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and Mayor Sylvester Turner presented Proclamations declaring May 21 as Maternal Health Day in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Harris County, and the City of Houston.

WHO:

Sima Ladjevardian, Region VI Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Rev. Dr. Que English, Director, Center for Faith- based and Neighborhood Partnerships (The Partnership Center), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Representative (TX-18)

Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner (Pct 1)

Sylvester Turner, Houston Mayor

Bishop James Dixon, II, Senior Pastor Community of Faith Church

Janice Pender, First Lady, Fallbrook Church

Sheretta West, First Lady, Church Without Walls

Dr. Mia K. Wright, Co-Pastor, Fountain of Praise Church

The health event took place at Texas Southern University; Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004.

For more information, visit HHS.gov