Elev8 Health, Inc. made a stop in Houston on April 19 as part of its 2025 THRIVE Maternal Health Tour and Community Baby Showers. The event, in partnership with Harris County Public Health and Walmart, as part of the Maternal Child Health Conference, was hosted at Finnigan Park Community Center Gym and provided an opportunity for families and expecting parents to access mental health professionals, medical providers, birthing workers, and more. The event was free and open to the public.
The THRIVE Tour is Elev8 Health’s dynamic, community-centered initiative dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes, particularly among African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women— communities disproportionately affected by high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The THRIVE Tour is led by Dr. Que English, president and chief executive officer, Elev8 Health, Inc.
According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. However, over 80% of these deaths were determined to be preventable. Recognizing the early warning signs, getting an accurate and timely diagnosis, and having access to quality care can save lives. Additionally, a recent study found that, overall, maternal mortality increased from 25.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 — an age-adjusted increase of about 27%, calling the issue “an urgent public health priority.”
The researchers found that cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental disorders were leading causes of late maternal deaths. The new study also provides more detail regarding state-level mortality and reaffirmed the prevalence of inequities by race. Rates of maternal mortality were 3.8 times higher in American Indian and Alaska Native women when compared to white women, and rates in Black women were 2.8 times higher.
Recognizing that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, the THRIVE Tour brings together mental health professionals, birth workers, medical providers, families, and community members to serve as the “village” of support for pregnant and postpartum women, dads, and families. This collaborative care model is established in each city through education, engaging events, expert-led panels, and powerful storytelling. Critical issues that are addressed include maternal health disparities, self-advocacy, postpartum depression, and the importance of essential support systems such as doula and midwifery services.
“They say raising a family takes a village, and we are bringing the village to Houston for families, expectant parents, and postpartum women in need of vital services, mental health support, birth coaching, resources, and more,” Dr. English said. “While ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes are evident, persistent disparities highlight the need for continued focus on equitable healthcare practices and addressing systemic issues contributing to these inequities. The THRIVE Tour, along with our key sponsors and partners, is providing essential support families and expecting parents desperately need.”
During the THRIVE Tour in Houston, dads and dads-to-be received support through meaningful, private discussions about their needs and challenges. A panel discussion and childcare demonstrations were led by Daddy University and provided tools to help enhance mental health and maximize their potential as fathers. The goal was to empower communities with practical tools, resources, and knowledge, nurturing a supportive village that dismantles systemic barriers and ensures healthier, thriving futures for mothers, fathers, children, and entire families.
In addition to the THRIVE Tour helping save lives through education and creating community-based prevention measures, it also hosted a community baby shower and giveaways to help set up soon-to-be parents for success. The event gave parents the opportunity to be celebrated, and provided attendees with goody bag essentials, such as diapers, wipes, ointment, and more. THRIVE Tour also raffled off diaper genies, car seats, and a travel system.
Additionally, through THRIVE’s partnership with Harris County Public Health and Walmart, the event emphasized both financial literacy/fluency and nutritional wellness by offering a Financial Wellness Booth and Nutrition Wellness Station. Guests at the event received expert guidance on budgeting basics, including how to choose and manage checking and savings accounts, the importance of giving back, how to begin investing for the future with an emphasis on better money habits, and more. The Nutrition Wellness Station offered engaging education on the importance of folic acid, prenatal and postnatal nutrition, and how to apply healthier nutrition to everyday meals. Attendees were also invited to visit the light stretching area to promote movement and physical wellness throughout the day.
