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March of Dimes launches research collaborative in Texas to address high preterm birth rate | Houston Public Media

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March of Dimes Launches Texas Research Collaborative to Tackle Preterm Birth Crisis

In a landmark initiative aimed at curbing Texas’s alarming preterm birth rates, the March of Dimes has announced the launch of a new research collaborative that brings together academic institutions, healthcare providers, and public‑health agencies across the state. The announcement, made on October 31, 2025, comes after a comprehensive review of statewide data revealing that Texas ranks among the nation’s highest for early deliveries, with more than 14 % of births occurring before 37 weeks—well above the national average of 8.3 %.

The collaborative, dubbed the Texas Preterm Birth Initiative (TPBI), will leverage the expertise of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the March of Dimes Texas division. Together, they will conduct longitudinal studies, develop predictive risk‑assessment tools, and design community‑based intervention programs that can be rolled out statewide.

A Deep‑Dive into the Data

The announcement was anchored in a recent report by the Texas DSHS, which found that preterm birth rates have risen by 1.7 % over the past decade, largely driven by increased incidence among African‑American, Hispanic, and low‑income populations. In 2023, 14.2 % of Texas babies were born preterm, translating to roughly 70,000 infants per year—over 5,000 more than the national average. The report also highlighted that neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Texas are experiencing higher patient volumes and shorter bed availability, creating a strain on the state’s already stretched healthcare infrastructure.

The TPBI will use this data to identify high‑risk pregnancies early and to pilot interventions that can reduce risk factors such as chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, and maternal stress. According to Dr. Anika Patel, director of the UTHealth Maternal‑Fetal Medicine Program, “We have the clinical expertise and the data analytics capability to identify patterns that have previously been invisible. By integrating predictive modeling with real‑time patient monitoring, we can intervene earlier and more effectively.”

Building on Prior Successes

The March of Dimes has long championed preterm birth prevention, funding research and education programs nationwide. The organization’s “Baby‑Friendly” program, for example, has been rolled out in over 200 hospitals across the country, encouraging practices that support maternal and infant health. In 2022, the March of Dimes partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a national preterm birth prevention initiative that identified lifestyle interventions—such as smoking cessation and improved prenatal nutrition—that reduced preterm deliveries by 2 % in participating counties.

The TPBI builds on these successes by focusing on Texas’s unique demographic and socioeconomic landscape. One of the key components of the initiative is a partnership with the Texas Hispanic Health Initiative (THHI), which will help tailor culturally sensitive educational materials and community outreach programs. “Texas’s Hispanic population accounts for over 40 % of the state’s births, yet many of the existing programs have not fully addressed the linguistic and cultural nuances that can affect prenatal care,” said THHI founder Maria Lopez.

Funding and Resource Allocation

The March of Dimes has pledged $12 million in initial funding for the collaborative, while the Texas state government has allocated an additional $8 million for infrastructure development, including the purchase of high‑resolution Doppler ultrasounds and the deployment of tele‑health platforms for remote monitoring. Dr. Patel noted that these resources will be crucial for ensuring equitable access across urban and rural areas.

An innovative aspect of the TPBI is the creation of a statewide “Preterm Birth Data Hub” that aggregates electronic health records (EHRs) from participating hospitals and clinics. This centralized data repository will enable researchers to conduct machine‑learning analyses to uncover hidden risk factors and to track intervention outcomes in real time. The initiative’s chief data officer, Dr. Samuel Brooks, emphasized the importance of data security: “All patient data will be de‑identified and encrypted, with strict adherence to HIPAA regulations.”

Community‑Based Interventions

Beyond data analysis, the TPBI will implement community‑driven interventions aimed at addressing social determinants of health. Pilot programs in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio will test the effectiveness of mobile health units that provide on‑site prenatal screening, nutritional counseling, and transportation assistance to prenatal appointments. In rural counties such as Jim Harris and Dimmit, the initiative will deploy mobile health vans staffed by nurse practitioners and social workers to bridge the gap between remote populations and tertiary care centers.

The program also plans to collaborate with local faith‑based organizations and community centers to disseminate information about preterm birth risks and to promote healthy pregnancy practices. In one pilot in Houston’s West Uptown neighborhood, a “Pregnancy Wellness” curriculum will be taught in partnership with the Houston YMCA, focusing on stress management, nutrition, and exercise.

Evaluation and Accountability

To ensure transparency and measurable impact, the TPBI will publish quarterly progress reports that detail key performance indicators such as preterm birth rate reduction, NICU occupancy rates, and patient satisfaction scores. These reports will be made publicly available through the March of Dimes Texas website and the Texas DSHS portal. A third‑party evaluation firm will conduct annual audits to verify data integrity and to assess the cost‑effectiveness of the interventions.

Looking Ahead

While the TPBI’s initial focus is on data collection and early‑intervention strategies, the March of Dimes has expressed ambitions to scale the program statewide and to serve as a model for other high‑risk states. In a statement released at the launch event, the organization’s executive director, Lisa McDonald, remarked, “Preterm birth is a preventable tragedy. By harnessing technology, community partnerships, and robust data, we can change the trajectory for Texas’s future mothers and babies.”

With the Texas Preterm Birth Initiative now in motion, researchers, clinicians, and community leaders across the Lone Star State are poised to tackle one of the most pressing public‑health challenges of the 21st century. The success of this collaborative could not only reduce Texas’s preterm birth rate but also illuminate a pathway for nationwide improvement.