Maternal Health
Definition
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Maternal health outcomes in the US lag other developed nations, with particular disparities: Black women die from pregnancy-related causes at 3-4 times the rate of white women regardless of income or education. Major causes of maternal mortality include hemorrhage, infection, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions—most preventable with quality prenatal and postpartum care.
Louisville Context
Louisville reflects national maternal health crisis: Black women in Jefferson County experience maternal mortality rates 3-4 times higher than white women. Contributing factors include lack of prenatal care (especially in West Louisville), implicit bias in healthcare, limited postpartum support, and healthcare deserts in underserved neighborhoods. Many maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period when women have lost pregnancy-related insurance coverage and lack follow-up care.
Why It Matters
Black women dying from preventable pregnancy complications at rates similar to developing nations is a moral catastrophe reflecting systemic racism in healthcare. These deaths are largely preventable through improved prenatal care access, provider bias training, postpartum home visits, and Community Health Workers supporting high-risk pregnancies. Maternal health disparities demand urgent action.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave’s Community Wellness Centers will prioritize maternal health through Community Health Workers providing home visits throughout pregnancy and postpartum, prenatal education classes, connections to prenatal care, and postpartum support groups. All pregnant women in participating neighborhoods receive CHW support regardless of insurance. Services funded within $1.025 billion budget, targeting neighborhoods with highest maternal mortality.