Louisville serves as the largest and most diverse city in Kentucky. Its population of 620,000 is made up of about 65% White, 23% Black, and 6% Hispanic/LatinX residents and it has more than 9,500 live births a year. Louisville has continued to grow as a regional hub for the health care industry.
The city also faces challenges. Poverty, in addition to factors such as inadequate access to health care and substance use during pregnancy help fuel the local maternal and infant health crisis. These factors contribute to high rates of preterm birth and infant mortality, particularly for communities of color.
Louisville, 2017-2019 Average
Jefferson County, 2016-2018 Average
KY-Moms MATR (Maternal Assistance Towards Recovery) helps expectant Kentucky mothers who are at risk for using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, to reduce harm to their children from their substance use, during and after pregnancy. This service is a collaboration between health departments, prenatal clinics and community mental health centers.
Healthy Babies Louisville is a local partnership between the Center for Health Equity, March of Dimes, and the University of Louisville.
This Kentucky Department for Public Health, Division of Maternal and Child Health, report illustrates tracking and implementation to reduce maternal mortality rates. [PDF Link]