How PHNTX Supports Black Maternal Health and Family Well-Being

At Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX), we recognize the alarming disparities in Black maternal health and the systemic issues that contribute to poor outcomes for Black women and their babies. While we do not offer prenatal care, our women’s health and pediatric services are part of a broader ecosystem of support that helps families access the care, advocacy, and education they need to thrive.

Understanding the Numbers: What Black Women Are Up Against

​Black women are more likely to face pregnancy-related complications and mortality due to a complex mix of systemic racism, provider bias, and limited access to quality care.

• Maternal Mortality Rates: According to Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Black women are more than three times as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes.
• Pregnancy-Related Deaths: A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a nearly 28% increase in pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. between 2018 and 2022, totaling 6,283 deaths. The maternal mortality rate peaked at 44.1 per 100,000 live births in 2021 before declining to 32.6 in 2022. The rise occurred across all age groups, with the greatest increases among individuals aged 25 to 39. The study notes significant disparities by race, ethnicity, and state. American Indian and Alaska Native women had death rates 3.8 times higher than white women, while non-Hispanic Black women had rates 2.8 times higher.
• Preventable Deaths: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.

Advocating for Black Women in Healthcare

At PHNTX, we work to ensure that every Black woman who walks through our doors feels safe, heard, and empowered. We’re committed to being a trusted, affirming place for care—before, during, and after pregnancy.

Our women’s health services provide routine wellness care, STI testing and treatment, birth control options, and support for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that can impact reproductive health. We also provide compassionate pediatric care to support growing families, making us a continued partner in your child’s health journey.

Showing Up and Speaking Up

Advocacy starts with showing up—whether that’s attending your annual wellness exam, following up on lab results, or keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date. We encourage patients to find a care team they trust, and when pregnant, to work with a doula, midwife, or loved one who can advocate with and for them during appointments and childbirth.

PHNTX is connected to a network of community resources, and we actively guide patients to services like Healthy Start, breastfeeding classes, and local events like the Dallas County Car Seat Safety Class on April 22. Our goal is to equip Black women and families with the tools they need to protect their health and their children’s futures.

Your Community Partner in Women’s and Pediatric Health

We understand that healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our providers are trained in culturally competent care and take the time to listen, explain, and co-create care plans that center your values. Whether you’re navigating contraception options, managing a chronic condition, or bringing your child in for a check-up, you deserve care that meets you where you are.

While we are not a prenatal care provider, we believe maternal health is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why we advocate for health equity, partner with organizations working on the front lines of maternal care, and offer education that empowers our patients to advocate for themselves and their families.

We’re Here for You

PHNTX is proud to stand with Black women and families. By providing quality, affordable healthcare and amplifying the importance of maternal health equity, we’re doing our part to make North Texas a safer, healthier place for everyone.

Explore our women’s health and pediatric services or reach out to learn how we can support your journey. Take charge of your health by calling us at 214-521-5191 or requesting an appointment online.