Briceida Alcaraz, co-chair of Babies in Baytown, urged community members to prioritize the mental health and well-being of the city's youngest residents during a presentation at the Kiwanis Club of Baytown on Feb. 5.
Alcaraz, introduced by Kiwanis member Norma Martinez as a key figure in local organizations including the Alamo PTO and Goose Creek's long-range planning committee, detailed the collaborative's efforts to support families with children ages 0-3.
The group focuses on developing community solutions for early childhood mental health,” Alcaraz said.
Babies in Baytown is an early childhood collaborative made up of community organizations and families of Baytown who are working to develop community solutions that better support the mental health of very young children and their families, Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz highlighted events like Baby Day, where parents and caregivers engage in simple activities with their infants, such as playing in dirt or sand — messes that organizers clean up.
“That is one of the favorite activities for the kiddos,” Alcaraz said. “Because I know I do not let my kid play in the dirt or the sand and bring it inside. So here they're able to play in the dirt and just make an amazing mess.”
Alcaraz emphasized the importance of the first three years of life.
“The first three years are really the cornerstone,” she said. “We know how important it is for those first few years to really get the mind going and really engage in those just crucial moments to have kiddos really know.”
The presentation touched on sobering statistics, including the high infant mortality rate in Baytown's 77521 ZIP code.
“The zip code 77521, which is our zip code, has the highest infant mortality rate,” Alcaraz said, noting it's the third-highest in Harris County according to a Texas Children's Hospital study. She added that nearby areas with refineries like Pasadena and Deer Park don't face similar rates, leaving the cause unclear.
Safe sleep practices were a key topic. Alcaraz advocated for the “ABC” method: alone, on the back, in a crib.
Mental health, particularly postpartum, was another focus.
“Studies show that up to the age of 30, the brain is not fully developed. And it gets even worse if there's drugs or alcohol involved,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz mentioned resources like the national suicide prevention lifeline at 988.
Upcoming initiatives include a community baby shower on April 29 in partnership with the Peter Hyland Empower Academy, targeting 10 pregnant moms with resources, games and lunch. “We're having all kinds of agencies and financial advisors,” she said.
Kiwanis members engaged with questions. Kiwanian Gary Englert asked about client outreach. "We have a Facebook page. But for people that don't have Facebook, you would be surprised how much word of mouth really, really helps,” Alcaraz replied.
Kiwanian Judy Jirrels inquired about funding.
“My funding source is talking to amazing people. That is really our funding source,” Alcaraz said.
Dave Jirrels, the club's assistant treasurer, sought clarification on the scope of the mortality rate. “That's for Harris County only,” Alcaraz confirmed, adding that Harris County has about 230 ZIP codes.
Kiwanian Mark Hall asked about the organization’s client ages.
“We don't have a lot of young teen moms,” Alcaraz said. “They're around 20s and 30s.”
Kiwanian Harvey Oyler queried about the client numbers and demographics.
“Last time I checked the numbers, which was like a year ago, it was like 120,” Alcaraz said. “It's not just moms and babies. We have aunts and grandmas, too.”
The meeting also featured a self-love activity led by Martinez, in which attendees wrote positive affirmations to place in jars for mental health boosts during stressful times like February.
Babies in Baytown, co-led by Alcaraz and Rebecca Williams, invites community involvement. Contact Alcaraz at bibcochair@gmail.com or Williams at bibcochair3@gmail.com.
Alcaraz wrapped up by inviting questions and expressing hope for broader participation.
Photo: Briceida Alcaraz, co-chair of Babies in Baytown, paid the Kiwanis Club of Baytown a visit and encouraged its members to participate. Also pictured is Norma Martinez, a Kiwanian member.
