HOUSTON — The United States is experiencing an urgent maternal and infant health crisis. Statistics reveal that each day in the U.S., one woman dies every 12 hours from pregnancy-related causes, and in Harris County, one in eight babies is born too soon. One Houston-area healthcare CEO is calling on surrounding communities to join her in an effort to help the March of Dimes Houston fund research, provide education, and support advocacy efforts to prevent premature births and lower infant mortality rates.
March of Dimes recently announced the appointment of Yasmene McDaniel as chair of the 2024 Houston March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™. McDaniel, who is the CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast in Pasadena, Texas, has a background that includes working in obstetrics and midwifery services. The Dime Box, Texas, native told d-mars.com that her hometown is a maternal desert.
“My hometown is one of those full maternal care deserts. Even in 2024, I know people who have delivered babies in the car and in their home and other areas because they don’t have access to birthing centers,” McDaniel said.
March of Dimes is known for its focus on improving the health of mothers and babies across the U.S. Presented by HCA Houston Healthcare, a 2024 March for Babies Signature sponsor, the March for Babies provides an opportunity for families to come together to support one another throughout their parenthood journey while raising critical funds that help the organization ensure parents and their little ones get critical resources needed for them to thrive. March for Babies is the organization’s largest fundraiser and the nation’s oldest charitable walk. It’s a significant initiative to support the health and well-being of moms and infants from all nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds and walks of life.
“The number of babies born pre-term here in Texas and nationwide is staggering,” McDaniel explained. “By joining this movement, individuals and groups can take action to help ensure March of Dimes can continue the vital research, programs and advocacy that allow moms and babies to get the best possible start.”
“Yasmene is a longtime supporter of March for Babies and will focus her efforts to raise awareness and critical funds for March of Dimes,” said Jen Torres, March of Dimes senior executive director. “We are thrilled that she has accepted this opportunity to lead our local movement to advance health equity and ensure that every mom and baby has access to quality care.”
More than just a walk, March for Babies helps to lift communities for health equity, open the door for every mom to have access to care and protect the health of families through advocacy. The annual experience calls on people across the country to unite and take steps— big or small —to fundraise and make a huge difference for the health of all families.
According to marchforbabies.org, those joining this impactful movement are:
- Uniting for health equity so all families have access to the care they need.
- Making a commitment to connect with others who want moms and babies to be healthy and strong.
- Honoring motherhood, babies and those who have experienced tragic loss, and
- Caring for families throughout every stage of pregnancy so they can get the best possible stock.
“Although we see thousands of healthy babies born each year in the greater Houston area, we also see thousands of babies who need life-saving treatments in our neonatal ICUs. The work of the March of Dimes is unparalleled in what they do for moms and babies, and I’m so proud to be a part of this important work that affects so many lives,” McDaniel added.
The local impact March of Dimes has made is extremely evident. In 2023, the organization launched its third NICU Family Support program at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, which offers family education, healthcare staffing training and an improved patient experience. The organization also raised $4.7 million locally last year. MOD officials reportedly distributed 50,000 diapers, wipes, and care kits to families in need, recruited 3,068 advocates in the Texas Advocacy Network, and engaged more than 800 mission and fundraising partners, all in 2023.
“One of the things that I’ve picked up throughout this journey with March of Dimes is that this should be something you care about if you were ever born,” McDaniel said.
Are you looking to take steps with the March of Dimes community to help protect the health of families and generations to come? Join McDaniel, who is also a Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas honoree, and several others for the Houston March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™. The march which will be held at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the University of Houston TDECU Football Stadium. Visit marchforbabies.org for more information on how to donate and start or join a team. Those looking to volunteer for the event can register at https://getinvolved.marchofdimes.org.
More About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes was initially founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 to combat polio. Today, the organization works to address various issues related to maternal and infant health, including preventing premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. The March of Dimes funds research, advocates for policies that support maternal and infant health, and provides education and support to families. Building on a successful 86-year legacy of impact and innovation, the organization prides itself in being there for thousands of families across the nation who had/are experiencing first-hand hardships, are celebrating their health, and those that are trying to start their families. As of today, March of Dimes has raised millions of dollars annually through donations, fundraising events, corporate partnerships, and grants. For more information, go to marchofdimes.org.
About HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast
HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast has served Southeast Harris County for more than 60 years. The 333-bed hospital offers a full spectrum of services, including a Level III Trauma Center, an accredited Chest Pain Center, a Primary Stroke Center, and a MBSAQIP accredited surgical weight loss program. The hospital has several specialty services, including the Center for Neurosciences and Orthopedics, the Center for Cardiovascular Services, two free-standing emergency departments and HCA Houston Rehabilitation Hospital Southeast. HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast is recognized as an area leader for women’s services and is supported by its Level III neonatal intensive care unit, 24/7 OB hospitalists and four Women’s Care Centers. The hospital received a Spring 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade “A” and has been recognized by the Houston Business Journal and Modern Healthcare as a top place to work. For more information, visit HCAhoustonhealthcare.com/southeast.
