A list of completed projects are described HERE.
Project IMPACT
Project IMPACT ( Improving Maternal and reProductive heAlth using Complex systems simulation Techniques) is a collaborative research enterprise co-led by Dr. Kyrah K. Brown, Dr. Michael K. Lemke (University of Houston-Downtown) and Dr. Saeideh Fallah-Fini (Cal Poly Pomona). This enterprise consists of two projects funded by HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau and National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities.
Learn more about Project IMPACT.
Black Women’s Preconception Cardiovascular Health Study
Principal Investigator: Kyrah K. Brown, PhD
The prevalence of cardiovascular health risks are steadily increasing among non-pregnant, reproductive-age Black women in the U.S. As a result of systemic gendered racism, Black women are disproportionately impacted by cardiovascular risk and diseases, which contributes to increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. This purpose of this study is to understand cardiovascular health knowledge, health and healthcare behaviors, and attitudes about the quality of one’s social and physical environments among non-pregnant, reproductive-age (18-49) Black women in the United States. Dr. Erica Spears and Tara Robinson (Black Heart Association) contributed to the development of this study.
Selected Presentations and/or Publications
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- Havor E, Guèye S, & Brown KK. (2023). Preconception Cardiometabolic Health and Healthcare Factors among U.S. Black Women (18-49) by Age, Skin Tone, and Pregnancy Intention. Podium Presentation. UTHealth Houston SPH Dallas Campus, Research Beyond Boundaries Conference, Dallas, Texas.
- Havor E, Guèye S, & Brown KK. (2023). Examining factors associated with receipt of heart health screenings among black reproductive-age women in the United States. Poster presentation. American Public Health Association, Atlanta, GA.
- Guèye S, Havor E & Brown KK. (2023).Centering black women’s voices in cardiometabolic and reproductive health research: Findings from a pilot study. Podium presentation, Black Caucus of Health Workers. American Public Health Association, Atlanta, GA.
- Havor E, Guèye S, & Brown KK. (2024). Examining factors associated with receipt of heart health screenings among Black reproductive-age women in the United States. Poster presentation. 5th Annual Women’s Cardiovascular & Brain Health Symposium at University of Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX.
The PREPARED STUDY
*coming soon*
family health history intervention
*Coming soon*
a qUALITATIVE sTUDY OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS IN TEXAS
*Coming soon*
Academy of Birth Leaders and Educators (ABLE)
Based in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, ABLE provides DONA-approved birth doula training, post-training support for doulas, and mentorship and coaching for Black doula leaders. Founder, Nikia Lawson, MA, BSW, BDT/CD (DONA) is a Certified Birth Doula and Birth Doula Trainer with DONA International with over 25 years of experience. We are partnering with Nikia and her team to support their efforts in developing their own research/evaluation agenda to demonstrate the broader impact of doula support in communities.
Black Heart Association
The Black Heart Association is a nonprofit organization focused on the overall improvement of health outcomes in communities of color. BHA’s mission is to eliminate heart-health disparities in black and brown communities through advocacy, education and empowerment. We partner with BHA to support in their efforts to develop their own research agenda and body of evidence.
Pickles & Popsicles, Inc.
Pickles & Popsicles, Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Jackson, Mississippi whose mission is to create a collective of acceptance, support, and transparency for all women journeying to and through motherhood. We are partnering with Pickles & Popsicles to provide support to their research agenda development and current research projects focused on maternal mental health.
NyNi, Inc.
NyNi, Inc., based in Ohio, is here to educate, support, & empower families on their individual journeys and believes that maternal health and infant care is not something you have to navigate on your own. We are partnering with NyNi, Inc to support them by providing evaluation technical assistance.
Yasiin’s Luv
The mission of Yasiin’s Luv, based in Portland, Oregon, is to help create a safe space for a birthing person and their support/family for an ideal birth and to offer holistic birthing support according to the individual giving birth. The organization integrates cultural preferences if needed for the most desired outcome and honors the birthing person’s beliefs, experience and desires with a trauma-informed lens. Yasiin’s Luv also offers peer and recovery support for those experiencing mental health diagnoses and addiction. We are partnering with Yasiin’s Luv to provide evaluation technical assistance.
Reproductive Health Advocates
This student-led initiative seeks to partner with campus and community groups to address reproductive well-being and justice in Tarrant County. As a part of the Power to Decide Shared Learning Collaborative, this group will work with community partners to (1) implement a Anti-Racism speaker series, (2) implement a Black Reproductive Health & Justice Photovoice Project (ages 18-30), and (3) co-design a community project. The Youth Ambassadors participate in regular trainings and webinars, convenings, and attend trainings.
Youth Ambassadors: Tiara Pratt, Rebecca Jackson
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Jada Reeves, Dr. Brandie Green, Dr. Kyrah Brown
UTA Preconception Peer Educator Training & Program (PPEP)
In partnership with Tarrant County Public Health Division of Family Health Services, Mavericks for Public Health and UTA Public Health Programs, we provide annual preconception peer educator trainings based on an adapted curriculum developed by the Office of Minority Health and facilitate at minimum two student-led educational events/activities per semester. For more information, please email mchequitylab@uta.edu.
TCPH Liaison: Isel Collazo
Program Coordinators: Luis Rangel (MRHE Lab) & TBD (Mavs for Public Health)
Faculty Mentors: Anita Corbitt, Dr. Brandie Green, Dr. Kyrah Brown
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We encourage Lab members and all students to engage in local and regional community coalitions. For students, community coalitions present an opportunity to serve the community, network, and develop professionally.
Tarrant County Health Equity Alliance (HEAL)
HEAL is a nonprofit coalition dedicated to eliminated racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal and infant health in Tarrant County. General body meetings occur every first Thursday from 11:30AM-1:00PM. For more information, contact info@healtc.org.
Tarrant County Birth Equity Collaborative
BEC is comprised of parents, community partners, and health partners working to identify, plan, and implement strategies to eliminate birth inequities in Tarrant County. General body meets occur every last Tuesday from 6:00PM – 7:00PM. For more information, contact birthequity@tarrantcountytx.gov.
Dallas Healthy Start Community Action Network Birth Equity (CAN BE)
CAN BE is a coalition comprised of community residents, partners, and service providers focused on addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health in Dallas County. For more information, contact