Parmer County
"Neighbors Serving Neighbors: The Amarillo Way"
Friona’s motto, “The Biggest Small Town in Texas,” captures the spirit of Parmer County, a place where small-town connections run deep and families look out for one another. Through VIBRANT MOMS, we’re working alongside local partners to expand resources, close gaps in care, and strengthen support for moms and families. Explore this page to see what programs, services, and community voices are helping build a healthier future in Parmer County.
Challenges Faced In Parmer County
Quick Stats
As stated by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2017–2021, cited in the TRP):
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25.8% of women ages 18–64 in Parmer County are uninsured.
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41.3% of women under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level in Parmer County are uninsured.
Gaps in Access to Care
Families in Parmer County experience significant gaps in access to prenatal care and health insurance coverage. Many women remain uninsured, which creates delays in scheduling prenatal visits, difficulty affording necessary services, and higher risks of complications during pregnancy and postpartum. These gaps make it harder for families to receive consistent, high-quality maternal healthcare.
Lower Population
Because Parmer County has a smaller population, it is more difficult to sustain consistent maternal health services locally. Limited patient volume can make it challenging to maintain full-time providers or specialized programs. As a result, families often rely on outside facilities or temporary supports, which may not provide the continuity of care that mothers and babies need.
Community Windshield Assessment Video
This video offers a visual tour of Parmer County as part of the Vibrant Moms project, a maternal health initiative focused on understanding and improving conditions for mothers and families across the Texas Panhandle.
Through this windshield assessment, we explore the physical environment, community infrastructure, and available assets that shape everyday life for residents. These observations help inform our understanding of maternal health needs, access to care, and opportunities for support in Parmer County.
Local Challenges, Local Solutions
Community health workers (CHWs) and local clinics will expand their role in guiding families through Medicaid enrollment and navigation. This added support will help mothers access coverage more quickly, reduce delays in prenatal care, and ensure families are connected to the services they need.
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Partnerships with WIC, the Community Partner Program (CPP), and Panhandle Community Services will provide families with hands-on assistance in applying for Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace coverage. These partnerships are designed to close insurance gaps and make maternal healthcare more accessible and sustainable for families in Parmer County.
Nurse and Patient
Joseph’s Project is a comprehensive pregnancy and parenting support program operated by Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle. Designed to serve expectant mothers and families with children under the age of three, the program offers personalized education, resources, and emotional support during some of the most critical stages of early family life.
Through one-on-one mentorship, parenting classes, and material assistance, Joseph’s Project aims to equip parents with the tools they need to build stable, nurturing environments for their children. In addition to practical guidance, the program fosters long-term well-being by encouraging positive parenting practices and strengthening family bonds.
By addressing both immediate needs and future goals, Joseph’s Project plays a vital role in supporting maternal and child health across the Texas Panhandle.
The information provided on this site is intended as a resource hub to help mothers access and review important maternal health information. This is not intended to provide medical advice. Before making any health decisions, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your individual needs.