TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Premature births in Texas are of increasing concern, with the state ranking among the highest in the nation for premature births.

Efforts are underway to address these early births and improve outcomes.

Dominique Ferguson is one of thousands of mothers in Texas who have experienced premature labor.

“The East Texas community still has a large number of premature babies being born here, not only here in East Texas, but across the state.” says Lazenda Bowser, nurse practitioner at UT Health Center Nurse Family Partnership.

According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 9 babies are born prematurely.

This year, the preterm birth rate in Texas was 11.1 percent, which was higher than the national average rate.

“The problem with Texas, especially East Texas, has to do with access to care and available resources,” says Carol Henson, nurse, UT Health.

Today, East Texas organizations came together to bring awareness to the community with different resources and a walk.

“Individuals’ socioeconomic status affects whether or not they have a preterm birth,” says Henson. “So we need to improve access to health care, timely health care, as well as education.”

Race and ethnicity also play a factor.

“There’s still a large number of mothers who are black, black mothers, Hispanic mothers, they still have a large number of premature births, premature deaths,” Bowser.

By bringing awareness to all mothers of different ages and ethnic backgrounds, Ferguson says it can help prevent premature births.

Sunday 17 November is World Prematurity Awareness Day to help raise awareness of premature birth and its impact on families.

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