MARCH OF DIMES

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has always been simply a tragedy -- a baby under 1-year-old dies with no reason.

KPRC 2 is a proud sponsor of the event and our very own Khambrel Marshall has been a part of the organization for the last 21 years. This is the first time since the pandemic began that the event was able to be held again in person.

Texas received a near failing grade on a newly released report card on new mother and infant health.

Houston Newsmakers: Abandoned children live for months with body of brother -- How can they get past trauma?

Texas ranks among the worst states for pregnant women to give birth. Research from March of Dimes lists Texas at the bottom, along with 11 states, when it comes to preterm births.

Medicaid is the health care safety net for millions of Americans.

The March of Dimes Maternity Care Deserts report looks at areas where mothers don’t have much access to obstetrics care. However, outside of those five counties, there’s less access, especially in rural areas. The data looks at the number of hospitals that provide obstetrics services, the number of obstetrics providers and the number of women without health insurance. Filling the gapChildren’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is working with physicians in rural areas to help fill the health care gap. Telemedicine has also been a game-changer for patients who live in rural areas.

March of Dimes working to address maternity-care desertsPublished: November 17, 2020, 6:07 pmThe March of Dimes is working to provide maternity care to people who live in areas where its not readily available.

HOUSTON – It might be hard to believe, but Texas is one of the most dangerous places to have a baby, and it’s even more dire for women and babies of color. “It was tragic and devastating for our entire community.”AdTomara’s family hopes to raise awareness -- that mothers can die after having a baby. This year’s March of Dimes report shows in Texas the preterm birthrate in 2019 was 11%, earning the state a “D." In Texas, 20.6% of women receive inadequate prenatal care; 24.7% of women ages 15-44 are uninsured, and 15.8% of women ages 15-44 are in poverty. One big thing we are doing is to bring awareness to the issues.”“To make sure every Texas mom and every Texas baby has the best healthcare and best access to healthcare as possible,” Stewart said.

SPRING, Texas – According to the March of Dimes, there are about 3,500 cases of SIDS among babies in the U.S. every year. Baby Samuel only lived for seven weeks due to SIDS. - Don’t let your baby sleep in a carrier, sling, car seat or stroller. The family has taken their grief and used it for a chance to educate others while also spreading kindness. They created the hashtag and Facebook page “baby Samuel flies.” You can print cards with a message about Samuel and when passing along little acts of kindness (like buying someone’s coffee or lunch) give the card.

The state of Texas has one view while Harris County has another. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins is a guest this week on Houston Newsmakers and says the state of Texas is using legal tactics to keep eligible voters from having the opportunity to vote. “We’ve been to court here in Harris County, and we won because the law’s on our side,” he said. See her interview on this week’s program and more on Houston Newsmakers EXTRA with President Stacey Stewart . Houston Newsmakers Sunday mornings at 10:30amMore Information:Chris Hollins, (D) Harris County Clerk· Website: https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/· Twitter: @HarrisVotesMario Diaz, KPRC Investigates· Website: https://www.click2houston.com/team/Y64QYFJB2BCMPL3ZJIAKUVBHA4/· Twitter: @KPRC2MarioStacey Stewart, President & CEO, The March of Dimes· Website: https://bit.ly/369DwX3· Twitter: @MarchOfDimes

The actress and TV personality stopped by CBSNews.com to discuss her partnership with March of Dimes and life with husband Nick Lachey and their two children.