(Houston, TX, July 31st) — The March of Dimes has awarded a $7,000 grant to El Centro de Corazón to support its CenteringPregnancy® program, which is aimed at improving the health of women and babies and at preventing preterm birth in Houston’s East End. CenteringPregnancy® is a group visit model of prenatal care that has been proven to improve birth outcomes.  El Centro’s program will provide over 180 underserved women with prenatal and postpartum care, education and social support this year. This grant supports El Centro by improving maternal and infant health outcomes and by empowering low-income pregnant women to develop the skills and confidence to take control of their health and that of their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.

“El Centro is pleased with the tremendous success of its Centering groups, which includes the increased socialization of its expectant women and the great enthusiasm of participants and providers in spending quality time during group visits,” said Marcie Mir, CEO of El Centro de Corazón.  “Through the social support, participant bonding, and peer education experienced through Centering, participants have expressed high satisfaction with their care, are adhering to medical guidance, and are achieving improved health for themselves and their babies during the prenatal and postpartum periods,” she said.

 About El Centro de Corazón

Serving Houston’s East End community since 1994, El Centro de Corazón is an accomplished Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with three health centers that offer a comprehensive range of adult and pediatric health care services for the uninsured and underserved, which include primary care, women’s health, dental, and behavioral health services. El Centro also provides primary care services at its Southeast Health Center, which is located in an outpatient facility of The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. In 2017, El Centro provided direct patient care to 12,759 children and adults for a total of 49,567 patient visits.

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About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.

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