Kentucky Health News
Kentucky and Arkansas have each been awarded $10 million to support maternal care by Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America (HMHBA), toward the goal of cutting the U.S. maternal death rate in half in five years.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries – a known fact that disproportionately affects women of color and those in rural communities,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “We must act with intention and deliver solutions to keep women and their children safe and healthy. I want to thank Olivia Walton and the entire Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America team for choosing to invest in Kentucky. This investment and partnership will make a difference for women and families across our commonwealth and country.”
“Our goal is to cut maternal deaths in half in five years, and getting there will take strong public-private partnerships,” said Walton, the HMHBA founder. “Arkansas and Kentucky are already making significant investments in maternal health through the Rural Health Transformation Program. We have an opportunity to build on that momentum.”
According to the release, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries. Two-thirds of maternal deaths occur in the year after birth, yet 40% of mothers receive no follow-up care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 87% of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented. The risks fall hardest on moms of color and women in rural communities, where hospitals are closing obstetric units at an accelerating pace.
The release adds that these challenges persist in Kentucky, where nearly half of the state’s 120 counties are classified as maternity care deserts – a statistic that could worsen as federal Medicaid cuts threaten rural hospitals and healthcare centers. Approximately 58% of rural women in Kentucky live more than 30 minutes from a birthing hospital.
The funding will support efforts to expand access to maternity care providers, improve maternal health data and care quality, increase home-visiting services during and after pregnancy, and expand postpartum support, including mental health services that support a mother’s long-term health.
