The Texas Prenatal-to-Three Collaborative is pleased to report on the progress we made in 2024 in our mission to advocate for families with infants and young children.
Sustaining Policy Efforts During the Interim
- PN-3 members fostered new relationships and strengthened legislative partnerships by engaging in ongoing dialogues with state leaders, including the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker, and legislators, to advance PN-3 priorities in the 89th Session.
- PN-3 members advocated for maternal mortality prevention and improved postpartum care by submitting testimonies and comments to state health agencies, including written comments to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on the Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) and testimony at the Texas Department of State Health Services LBB Budget Hearing.
- The Public Policy Advisory Committee brought together 18 child welfare experts from across Texas to drive policy recommendations after being relaunched by PN-3 members this year.
- PN-3 members utilized targeted advocacy efforts to secure increased funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, which is set to double by 2027.
Using Data to Highlight Local Needs & Elevate Family Voices
- PN-3 members conducted qualitative research on 12-month postpartum coverage, interviewing 36 health professionals and 8 Medicaid-insured mothers from urban and rural communities across Texas to assess its use, benefits, and challenges.
- PN-3 members published a brief to educate communities and stakeholders about findings from the 2024 Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee report, which revealed that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable.
- PN-3 members conducted needs assessments in El Paso to identify critical childcare gaps and inform targeted local strategies.
- PN-3 members updated statewide early childhood data tools and dashboards, including the Child Care Deserts Map, the Texas School Readiness Dashboard, and the Child Care Tax Relief Website.
- PN-3 members completed two 12-city tours, collaborating with parents, providers, and advocates to elevate local perspectives in policymaking and shape PN-3 priorities for the 89th Legislative Session.
- PN-3 members amplified local voices through the Texas Prevention Network by offering all Texas communities, including Navarro County, a platform to share progress and address challenges.
- PN-3 members continued working with the PN-3 Parent Advisory Council, amplifying the voices of parents and caregivers from rural, urban, and suburban communities.