The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) proudly highlights the recent work of alumna Dr. Martina Michael, MBBS, MPH, who presented a compelling webinar on "Mental Health Care Access for Prenatal and Postpartum Individuals in the Justice System" for the Texas Society for Public Health Education (TSOPHE).
Dr. Michael's presentation explored the critical intersection of maternal health and incarceration, with a particular focus on access to mental healthcare. She shared data from existing research highlighting statistics about maternal mortality in the United States, noting significant differences in outcomes across population groups. She also cited findings that approximately 4–5% of women entering prisons are pregnant—amounting to roughly 12,000 individuals annually—and that although incarcerated women experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, only 14% of those needing services actually receive them.
Transformative Moments at UTMB
Dr. Michael began her journey at UTMB in Fall 2021, pursuing her Master of Public Health degree. She extended her graduation to include the prestigious Archer Fellowship Program, completing her studies in September 2023.
"When I was at UTMB, Dr. Dacso kindly gave me the opportunity to shadow him during rounds at the TDCJ hospital," Dr. Michael recalls. "There was a patient my age with Hodgkin's lymphoma. When Dr. Dacso asked if there was anything he could get him, he said 'If it's possible, I would really like another Jello.' That hit me really hard. I was his age, and I wanted to study more, build a career, write a book—and he wanted another Jello."
This experience, combined with her previous work as a general physician in rural India, where she observed that postpartum mental health was often overlooked, shaped her research focus. "In my second last semester, when I applied for the ARCHER Graduate Fellowship, I merged both these experiences and wrote a proposal to look into mental health care access through Medicaid for pregnant and postpartum moms in the justice system."
From Student Project to Professional Impact
Dr. Michael's interest in maternal mental health among justice-involved populations has continued well beyond graduation. In December 2024, she wrote a literature review on the "Impact of Adverse Childhood Events and Maternal Mental Health in the Justice System," which was accepted for presentation at the Harris County Maternal and Child Health Conference in April 2025.
Her systematic review of 96 research articles examines the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and mental health challenges among incarcerated women. The research revealed that justice-involved women report higher numbers of ACEs compared to both justice-involved men and women in the general community.
When asked which innovative solution could have the biggest near-term impact, Dr. Michael points to trauma-informed care practices. "In the UK, increasing efforts to implement trauma-informed care in women’s correctional settings have been associated with improved outcomes, including reduced rates of recidivism in certain programs." she explains.
Today, Dr. Michael contributes to five statewide projects for maternal and child health, including quality improvement initiatives funded by Social Security Act Title V grants—applying the skills she gained over the course of her Graduate Assistantship, APE, ILE and Fellowship.
Building Success Through Mentorship and Engagement
Dr. Michael credits her leadership experiences at SPPH with preparing her for her current advocacy work. "All the leadership opportunities I was fortunate to receive—from representing my School at the ASPPH as a TIPH ambassador to being part of numerous committees to representing the new school on radio talk shows and magazines."
Her advice to current students is straightforward: "Stay curious. Always say yes to an opportunity—see how you can contribute first, and if it doesn't match your effort or interest, it's okay to say NO."
She encourages students to pursue practical experiences in their areas of interest: "Build your purpose. There might be one, two, or three areas of public health you may like; gain experience in these areas through your APE and ILE."
Dr. Michael also emphasizes resilience: "Don't hesitate to fail—failure has been my biggest teacher. The more rejections I faced, the more I spoke up, advocated for myself, the more I learned and honed my skills."
"Lastly," she adds, "imposter syndrome can be real, but don't let it stop you from your potential and finding out what you are truly capable off."
Continuing the SPPH Legacy
SPPH is immensely proud of Dr. Michael's ongoing contributions to public health, particularly her dedication to improving healthcare access for underserved populations. Her work exemplifies our school's commitment to addressing healthcare access challenges and promoting quality care for all patient populations.
In her TSOPHE presentation, Dr. Michael highlighted an apt quote by Dr. Carolyn Sufrin: "The provision of reproductive health care in jails and prisons is not merely about fulfilling an obligation to provide medical care; it is about addressing a fundamental human rights issue."
Are you a UTMB graduate making a difference in public health? We'd love to feature your work! Contact us at SPPHmarketing@utmb.edu to share your story.