Mothers and families in neighborhoods with limited health care access often face increased health risks and pregnancy-related complications. To address these challenges, the Kinder Institute for Urban Research is embarking on a research program called Paths to Wellness: Advancing Maternal Health in the Greater Houston Area.
With support from the Simón Bolívar Foundation, the private foundation of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, this initiative will build a network of community partners to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and develop a long-term strategic plan to set critical goals toward sustainable, long-term solutions.
Luz Garcini, director of the Kinder Institute’s Center for Community and Public Health, is leading the effort along with researcher Katherine Perez and doctoral student Sabrina Cuauro. A key component of the project is the formation of a Community Advisory Board, comprising more than 20 local organizations, including health care providers, community advocates and maternal health experts.
By leveraging the expertise of each member, the CAB plays a crucial role in ensuring that the research is culturally and contextually informed by the lived experiences of mothers across neighborhoods. The researchers collaborate closely with CAB members to identify relevant topics, refine survey questions, identify key community resources and ensure that materials developed are appropriate, actionable and relevant to mothers in Houston.
The collaboration has already made a meaningful impact just three months into the project. In February, CAB members gathered at Rice University to identify pressing maternal health needs in the area. Partners have already been instrumental in expanding the researchers’ access to community networks, curating important resources and promoting a strengths-based approach to maternal health. Their guidance ensures that research and advocacy efforts align with cultural nuances while seeking practical solutions for local families.
Prioritizing collaboration with community experts allows the Center for Community and Public Health to craft a research approach that is responsive to the needs of those it serves. Sustaining this engagement is essential for achieving long-term impact.
Paths to Wellness exemplifies how community-engaged research can drive meaningful change in public health. By working alongside those whose voices are often missing from research, this initiative can improve maternal health outcomes and create a sustainable network of partners dedicated to the health of all.
As the project evolves, insights from the CAB, mothers and their families will continue to shape maternal health in the Greater Houston area, ensuring that resources and interventions remain accessible, effective and community-driven.
A commitment to building strong, enduring partnerships is central to the Kinder Institute’s mission of prosperity for all. Transparent communication, institutional support and continued dialogue with partners will ensure that Paths to Wellness creates a foundation for lasting change in maternal health within the communities of Houston.
Katherine Perez
Researcher, Center for Community and Public Health
Kinder Institute for Urban Research
Luz Garcini
Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences
Director of Community and Public Health
Kinder Institute for Urban Research