Texas Southern University (TSU) established “The Gulf Coast Collaborative Center for Maternal Health Research, Education, Advanced Training, Community Engagement, and Health Empowerment at Texas Southern University” (MHREACH^TSU in collaboration with Texas Medical Center (TMC) institutions, the greater Houston community, and Harris County. Our primary research goal is to investigate, understand, and eliminate the underlying causes of the persistent rise in maternal mortality rates among women who are at risk and highly vulnerable in greater Houston and Harris County communities, including rural communities. Aligned with TSU’s mission, the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, and HRSA’s mission to improve the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families, the MHREACH^TSUresearch center aims to develop an innovative and comprehensive care model that incorporates maternal health best practices for all women, focusing on preventable contributors to adverse maternal health outcomes in Public Health Regions, including Harris County and the greater Houston community. MHREACH^TSU will employ a community-based participatory research approach to execute research, education, training, and community engagement initiatives. Through the integration of community engagement strategies, MHREACH^TSU will work closely with community members, stakeholders, and partner organizations to ensure the research and interventions are culturally sensitive, relevant, and impactful. This community-based approach will enable us to gather insights, co-create solutions, and foster collaboration to address the unique challenges women face in maternal health. Strategic collaborations with academic institutions, HRSA, maternal health research networks, community and faith-based organizations, federally qualified health centers, and local healthcare systems will provide advanced infrastructure, accessible resources, and quality healthcare to support our multidisciplinary and collaborative maternal health research team. Within MHREACH^TSU, we propose two applied research projects, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, community engagement and local health provider studios, and up to eight applied pilot study projects conducted by early-stage investigators in collaboration with the community to contribute to developing and implementing a novel maternal healthcare model. Our goal is to enhance maternal health and well-being in our communities before, during, and after delivery. Through the MHREACH^TSUinitiative, TSU aims to address the urgent need for improved maternal health outcomes. By advancing research, education, training, community engagement, health empowerment and improvement, we strive to significantly impact maternal health, aligning with national priorities and our commitment to serving the community.