Texas Women's Healthcare Coalition (TWHC)

?? Why Safety Net Health Programs Matter ?? Access to affordable healthcare transforms lives, especially for women facing barriers to traditional programs. Our latest blog explores the impact of programs like Healthy Texas Women, Family Planning Program, and Breast and Cervical Cancer Services on women's health in Texas. Discover how these programs save lives, strengthen communities, and reduce costs. ?? ?? Read more: The Vital Role of Safety Net Health Programs https://buff.ly/40QB2cy #WomensHealth

?? The March of Dimes 2024 Report Card is out, and the results are a critical call to action for all of us. Texas has received a D grade, highlighting persistent disparities in maternal and infant health. We must prioritize solutions that address access to care, social determinants of health, and support for all families. ?? Take a look at the full report to understand the data driving the urgent need for change in our state. Let’s work together to advocate for healthier moms and babies in Texas! ?? Check out the report here: https://buff.ly/48S6tFc #MaternalHealth #InfantHealth

?? Today in Austin, TWHC hosted a dynamic Provider Panel to educate policymakers and their staff on the essential work of women’s health programs. ??? Providers from across Texas shared powerful insights during three engaging sessions: ?? HTW & BCCS Programs ?? Rural Health & Mobile Health Units ???? Maternal Health We’re so grateful for our incredible panelists and their dedication to improving women’s health across the state! ???? #WomensHealth ?? Today in Austin, TWHC hosted a dynamic Provider Panel to educate policymakers and their staff on the essential work of women’s health programs. ??? Providers from across Texas shared powerful insights during three engaging sessions: ?? HTW & BCCS Programs ?? Rural Health & Mobile Health Units ???? Maternal Health We’re so grateful for our incredible panelists and their dedication to improving women’s health across the state! ???? #WomensHealth

Greetings from the APHA Annual Meeting and Expo! ?? Rachel, our Policy & Advocacy Coordinator, and Mariana, our Advocacy Communications Manager, have had an inspiring time connecting with health leaders from across the country. It’s incredible to be part of conversations that shape the future of public health and amplify our work for women’s healthcare. ?? Excited to bring back new insights for Texas! #APHA2024 #WomensHealth #Advocacy

?? What is Maternal OCD? ?? October is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Awareness Month. Maternal or Perinatal OCD is a maternal mental health condition impacting up to 5% of people during pregnancy and postpartum. Yet, symptoms like intrusive thoughts often get misunderstood by patients and providers alike. ?? ?? Intrusive Thoughts It's common for up to 70-100% of women and their partners to experience unsettling thoughts around childbirth and the postpartum period. While these thoughts can be alarming—often involving fears of infant harm—they are typically recognized as inappropriate by the mother and don't indicate a higher risk of actual harm. ?? OCD in Pregnancy and Postpartum Pregnancy and postpartum OCD have a prevalence rate of 7.8% prenatally and 16.9% postpartum. Symptoms can include persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that create a need for relief through certain actions (compulsions). Half of women with OCD may experience intrusive thoughts about infant harm, but it's key to remember that such thoughts are not part of a psychotic process. Learn more about maternal OCD and how we can support maternal mental health here: https://buff.ly/4fjP4aD ?? #MaternalMentalHealth #MaternalHealth

?? Mobile Health in Action! ?? These past two days, we had the opportunity to visit the Women's and Men's Health Services of the Coastal Bend (WAMHS) Mobile Health Clinic in Corpus Christi. This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of bringing essential care directly to communities. We spoke with both patients and providers, witnessing firsthand how these mobile health units are making a difference by expanding access to care and improving health outcomes. A huge thank you to @WAMHS for hosting us and for the incredible work you do! ?? Stay tuned as we share the stories and impact of this visit! ?? #MobileHealth #HealthAccess #WomensHealth

?? Preventative Health Services for Women: A National Snapshot A recent survey from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 12% of adult women have accessed critical sexual health services—such as birth control, HIV PrEP, and STI testing and treatment—in the last year. These services play a vital role in protecting women’s health and ensuring they have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their care. More info here: https://buff.ly/3THbwC7 #WomensHealth #PreventativeCare

???? World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is health, let's shine a light on the mental health of moms. In Texas, Maternal Mental Health Conditions are one of the most common complications during pregnancy and postpartum. In 2019: -They were the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths (22%). -Depressive disorder was the most common, followed by substance use, bipolar, and psychotic disorders. -Mental health issues contributed to 25% of these deaths, with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) making up 11%. Moms deserve care, compassion, and support for their mental health. Together, we can support moms and improve outcomes! ?????? Download The Texas Research-to-Policy Collaboration (TX RPC) Project full report here: https://buff.ly/3XZOd84 #WorldMentalHealthDay #MaternalHealth

#HerHealthInsights: COPDAwareness This staggering statistic ?? highlights the need for greater awareness ?? and research ?? into the unique health challenges women face. COPD is often overlooked, but it’s crucial to advocate for prevention, early diagnosis ??, and treatment options. At the Texas Women's Healthcare Coalition, we're committed to addressing gaps in women’s healthcare and ensuring all women receive the care and resources they need. ?? Learn more: https://buff.ly/3s87cRK #WomensHealth

?? In this inspiring post from @MarchofDimes, Dr. Kristy Acosta shares her personal experience with pregnancy complications, NICU life, and the emotional challenges many families face. Her story is a reminder of the importance of support systems and advocacy for maternal and infant health. Read more about Kristy’s journey here: https://buff.ly/3XASzC9 #MaternalHealth #WomensHealth