04/17/2025
We're proud to welcome The Texas Tribune to UMC Health & Wellness Hospital (11011 Slide Rd) for a special event on maternal health in rural Texas.
Join us Tuesday, April 22. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch is provided, and the conversation begins at noon.
RSVP here: https://trib.it/cyyRcm
Maternal health care in Texas is facing critical challenges. Despite world-class medical facilities, Texas women are more likely to be uninsured, miss routine check-ups, and face high maternal mortality rates. In rural areas, a quarter of women live over 30 miles from the nearest provider, and half of all counties lack one entirely.
How can state leaders address these gaps and ensure access to care for all Texas women?
Eleanor Klibanoff, The Tribune’s women’s health reporter, will moderate a conversation focused on strategies to strengthen maternal health in rural Texas communities and why improving women’s health outcomes helps all Texans. Confirmed speakers include:
Lisa Dillard, March of Dimes West Texas, director, Maternal & Infant Health Initiative
Jill Shanklin, vice president for nursing excellence, UMC Health System, Lubbock
Dr. Lauren Swartz, family physician at Covenant Health Plainview
The Tribune’s Lubbock-based reporter, Jayme Lozano Carver, will host the event.
Doors open for lunch at University Medical Center in Lubbock at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, and the one-hour event begins at noon. Lunch is provided.
RSVP: https://trib.it/cyyRcm