Austin, TX

Texas committee wants to review abortion-related deaths

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2024

Texas committee wants to review abortion-related deaths

AUSTIN, Texas — In late September, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee requested information on the number of abortion-related deaths in the state. The data has been kept from the group for more than a decade.

What You Need To Know

The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee requested information on the number of abortion-related deaths in the state

The request follows the panel’s latest report, which shows that in 2020 the maternal mortality rate was on the rise

Health care providers say the context from the number of abortion-related deaths could save lives

Legislators would need to change state law to allow the committee to review the data

“We can’t make comments about what caused an increase in maternal death in our state if we’re not really reviewing all of them,” said Dr. Carla Ortique, chair of the committee.

The request follows the panel’s latest report, which shows that in 2020 the maternal mortality rate was 27.7 deaths per 100,000 live births—compared to 17.2 in 2019. The data predates the state’s near total abortion ban, which is expected to increase maternal mortality.

“Each maternal death, each life that is lost, has value,” said Ortique.

Health care providers say the context from the number of abortion-related deaths could save lives.

“Get down to the root of some of our problems and to really figure out how can we make a positive change,” said Dr. Todd Ivey, a Houston OB-GYN and district chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Legislators would need to change state law to allow the committee to view the data. There isn’t expected to be pushback, but Austin-area Democratic state Rep. Donna Howard thinks abortion-related terms should be redefined in state law to better understand the mortality and morbidity patterns.

Current state law does not consider the removal of an ectopic pregnancy as an abortion, but medically, it is.

“So part of what we should be doing is being consistent with medical science and what medical definitions are, and not playing games politically,” said Howard.

Anti-abortion advocates support the committee’s request for the data, but say that definitions don’t need to change.

“Because when we gather this data, we want to understand the true deaths in the state of Texas that are occurring because of abortion,” said Amy O’Donnell with Texas Alliance for Life.

Ivey says more education is needed for policymakers to understand why an abortion is necessary to treat ectopic pregnancy. He added that clarity to the state’s law that only allows for abortions in the case of an emergency would help address mortality and morbidity rates.

“People are very confused and people are very frightened exactly what they can and cannot do,” said Ivey.

The Texas Medical Board recently adopted new rules that protect doctors who perform abortions for ectopic pregnancies, but many doctors want more clarity.

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Austin, TX

Central Texas Food Bank launches six new Austin ISD school-based pantries

Published

11 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

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Central Texas Food Bank launches six new Austin ISD school-based pantries

AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Texas Food Bank is expanding its partnership with Austin Independent School District by opening six new school-based food pantries at elementary schools across the district.

The Feeding Futures School Pantry locations provide families with convenient access to food on their child’s campus, according to the food bank.

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“This is a wonderful way for us to provide easy access to food – nutritious, healthy food – that’s culturally relevant to families,” Anurita Mittra, Vice President of Network Programs and Services with the Central Texas Food Bank, said.

By placing food resources where families already gather, the pantries help remove transportation barriers and reduce stigma associated with seeking food assistance. The pantries are designed to feel welcoming and supportive for families.

“Schools are trusted spaces, and these pantries are designed to feel welcoming, familiar, and supportive for families,” the food bank said.

A complete listing of participating school districts and on-campus pantries is available here.

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Austin, TX

Bradlink’s President: Helen Callier to Speak at the University of Texas Austin Readiness Training Program for HUB’s Graduation

Published

12 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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Bradlink’s President: Helen Callier to Speak at the University of Texas Austin Readiness Training Program for HUB’s Graduation

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bradlink LLC’s president – Helen Callier will speak at the University of Texas at Austin signature IC2 Institute’s Readiness Training Program (RTP) Graduation for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB’s). Helen leads an award-winning SBA small business and industry recognized government contracting firm that provides technical services to various local agencies including Austin Independent School District (AISD).

Helen Callier, President and CEO of Bradlink LLC heading to a client meeting in Texas.

Helen Callier, President and CEO of Bradlink LLC by company fleet truck.

This training program for HUB’s provides Regional Technical Assistance Resources, reviews government databases to register in and presents information on government contracting. The final session and graduation are designed to motivate the mostly start-up companies to propose and position their firms to win government contracts.

With 20 years of proven industry experience in government contracting, Bradlink is branded as a trailblazer and innovator in providing technical solutions on transit, education and healthcare projects.

Callier says, “It’s truly a privilege to share my firm’s story, insights, and tips on obtaining government contracts with other small businesses. Texas is a great place to start and grow a small business and the sessions the HUB’s have attended place them in a strong position.”

Bradlink’s achievements have been marked by notable projects such as working as a Prime on the 2022 $2.44 billion AISD Bond Program, supporting key projects at Austin Bergstrom Airport, and serving as BIM Lead for the CMAR on the Houston Airport System Hobby International $470 million 7-gate Expansion project.

“We’re excited that our Leader has been invited again to speak during UT Austin’s IC2 Institute’s RTP last session and graduation this year. I believe Helen’s business insights will motivate members of the co-hort to execute their growth plans as there are lots of opportunities in Texas to pursue.” Moruf Jimoh, Technical Manager of Bradlink LLC

Bradlink’s President, Helen Callier, has been a driving force in the company’s success. In 2025, Bradlink received numerous industry awards including from the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum, Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and recognized by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association. Also, in 2023, her influential expertise earned her a prominent spot on page 49 of the SBA Small Business National Resource Guide, showcasing her as a thought leader in the industry.

About Helen Callier

Helen Callier (AKA), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University and graduate on the Goldmans Sachs 10KSB Program, is President of Bradlink LLC, a Technical Services firm and Founder of PermitUsNow, an industry recognized building permitting and expediting firm headquartered in Texas. Recognized as HBJ’s Women Who Mean Business, SBA Women Business Champion, former State of Texas Commissioner of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and serving as an Advisory Board Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. Helen is known as a point guard in the business community. She is a regular blogger for SubContractors USA News, a published author, dynamic speaker and a valuable contributor in the business community in Texas.

About Bradlink LLC

Bradlink LLC, with offices in Houston, Austin and Dallas, Texas, is a technical services firm, with over two decades of experience, provides program management, building design, permit expediting, construction oversight, and facilities support services primarily to government agencies. Clients of Bradlink include the Houston Airport System, JACOBS, Atkins Realis’, Hensel Phelps, Austin ISD, EXP US, and USACE.

Media Contact:
Len Cal
2813129981
[email protected]

SOURCE Bradlink LLC

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Austin, TX

Texas Children’s launches first pediatric helicopter in Austin

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

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Texas Children’s launches first pediatric helicopter in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Children’s Hospital has launched Austin’s first pediatric medical helicopter, expanding critical care transport services for children across Central Texas.

The Kangaroo Crew helicopter can reach distances of up to 120 nautical miles and is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by clinicians who provide ICU-level care during transport, according to the hospital system.

“This investment reflects our commitment to bringing the highest level of specialized care closer to families, reducing distance as a barrier when every minute matters,” said Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, president of Austin and Central Texas for Texas Children’s.

Texas Children’s Hospital has launched Austin’s first pediatric medical helicopter, expanding critical care transport services for children across Central Texas. (Photo: Texas Children’s)

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Texas Children’s is the first pediatric hospital system to operate its own helicopter in Austin. The aircraft serves patients throughout Central Texas and West Texas.

The addition of the Austin helicopter brings Texas Children’s total to two Kangaroo Crew helicopters. The helicopter program launched in February 2025 at Texas Children’s in Houston and has transported hundreds of critically ill patients.

The expansion was funded through donations to Texas Children’s, including contributions from Texas Children’s Ambassadors.

“Through the support of our Ambassadors and other generous donors, we are able to invest in innovations like this helicopter that make an immediate, meaningful difference for families across Central Texas and beyond,” said Ben Renberg, chief development officer of the Office of Philanthropy at Texas Children’s.

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