Texas A&M AgriLife institute announces joint Harvesting Health initiative
Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Methodist Mansfield pioneer maternal nutrition study
The Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, IHA, will partner with Methodist Mansfield Medical Center and the City of Mansfield on the new study, Harvesting Health: Nutrition and Wellness for Mom and Baby.
This strategic partnership aimed at improving maternal health outcomes was announced at a press event on July 8 at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in Mansfield.
Optimizing health for current and future generations
The Harvesting Health study aligns local leadership, healthcare professionals and the IHA’s research innovation to examine how nutrition during pregnancy influences health outcomes for mothers and infants.
“This work is integral to advancing IHA’s mission to optimize health for current and future generations,” said Teresa Davis, Ph.D., director of the IHA. “Collaborating with the City of Mansfield and Methodist Mansfield Medical Center allows us to pioneer improvements in human health where Texans live, work and play.”
Partnering with Methodist Mansfield Medical Center and the City of Mansfield
Crystal Brown, vice president of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, said the study marks an important step toward improving health outcomes as part of the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate, quality healthcare.
“What makes this initiative truly special is that it’s built by the community, for the community,” Brown said. “We want every family to know they are a vital part of this effort — because when we invest in healthier beginnings, we strengthen the future of Mansfield.”
City of Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans highlighted the city’s shared commitment to improving long-term maternal and child health outcomes as part of Mansfield’s focus on building a healthier, more vibrant future for its residents.
“Mansfield has always been a city that looks forward, and this partnership puts us at the forefront of proactive community health,” said Evans. “We are aiming to create solutions that will have lasting impact — not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Participation and eligibility
If you are an expecting mother living in Mansfield or surrounding areas, enrollment for the Harvesting Health initiative is now open to women who:
- Are 18-45 years old and in their first trimester of pregnancy.
- Reside within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex or College Station area.
- Future state-wide expansion is expected.
- Have access to a smartphone.
For more information, visit the study website, www.harvestinghealthstudy.org, or contact the team at [email protected] or 972-952-9660.
