Kentucky has been awarded $10 million to support maternal care, part of a $20 million investment in Kentucky and Arkansas announced by Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America (HMHBA) at the Heartland Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Gov. Andy Beshear joined HMHBA founder Olivia Walton to celebrate the award, the organization's first state-level investment toward a 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," Beshear said. "We must act with intention and deliver solutions to keep women and their children safe and healthy."
Walton said the effort will require strong public-private partnerships, noting Arkansas and Kentucky are already investing in maternal health through the Rural Health Transformation Program. "States know their communities best, and we can help bring additional resources, partners and support to build on what's already working," she said.
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, and the CDC estimates 87% of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented.
In Kentucky, nearly half of the state's 120 counties are classified as maternity care deserts, and about 58% of rural women live more than 30 minutes from a birthing hospital.
Over five years, HMHBA funding will support expanding access to midwives, doulas and community health workers, strengthening maternal health data and quality improvement, increasing home visiting services, and expanding postpartum care including mental health services.
"Team Kentucky is committed to ensuring Kentucky moms and babies are healthy and thrive," said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. "Together, we will improve access to care in our rural communities and improve the health of families throughout the commonwealth."
The grants are part of an initial $100 million commitment announced Sept. 10 to support state matching grants, high-impact partnerships and infrastructure to scale solutions.