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Texas Tech and partners describe 'Vibrant Moms' program to reduce preeclampsia in the Panhandle
Summary
Researchers from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and community partners summarized a multi‑method needs assessment and laid out plans for a phase‑2 implementation trial to screen and reduce preeclampsia across six Panhandle counties.
Representatives of the Vibrant Moms project, led by Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, gave the council a research update and an outline for a planned phase‑2 trial designed to reduce preeclampsia and improve maternal outcomes across six Texas Panhandle counties that include Potter and Randall.
What the project is: Vibrant Moms (Verifying and Implementing Evidence-Based Programs for Transformations in Maternal Outcomes, Measures and Support) has been collecting community needs and assets since August 2023 using six research methods: state inpatient records, asset mapping, focus groups with pregnant and postpartum women, key‑informant interviews, photovoice and a public survey. Project leaders said they received more than 3,500 survey responses — well above their target.
Key findings: The presenters reported a regional preeclampsia rate of approximately 6.6 percent, higher than national averages, limited local programs focused on preeclampsia prevention, awareness gaps about risk factors and barriers to timely prenatal care including lack of insurance and distance to providers. The region contains multiple maternity‑care deserts and relatively high uninsurance rates among pregnant people, the presenters said.
Phase‑2 plans: With NIH support under review for a phase‑2 implementation trial, researchers told the council the next step is to test evidence‑based screening and prevention interventions across partner organizations. The approach includes training community health workers across ten partner organizations to screen for preeclampsia risk factors, assist with enrollment into prenatal coverage, provide education and make warm handoffs to clinical care where appropriate. For higher‑risk patients clinicians will consider low‑dose aspirin as indicated by evidence-based guidelines.
Why it matters: Speakers said maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity are higher in Texas than nationally and that targeted community‑led interventions could reduce complications such as preeclampsia, which is linked to prematurity and other adverse outcomes.
Ending: The researchers said they had submitted a phase‑2 NIH application and invited the city and other local partners to help implement the pilot if funded. Councilors expressed support and noted alignment with other local women’s health initiatives.
