Maternal and Infant Mortality

The Problem

You've probably heard that the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. In fact, according to the Commonwealth Fund, we have the highest rate of women dying from pregnancy-related complications of any high-income country. Black women face an even higher risk, and are three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy than are white women. 

The picture is even worse in Kentucky. In 2018, 76 women died from pregnancy-related complications. That's 1.5 women per week--a number that places us as one of the four worst states for maternal mortality. Although maternal mortality has been slowly falling for white women in Louisville, Black women are 2.5 times more likely to die than white women are. The shocking part is, according to state statistics, 91% of maternal mortality cases were deemed to be preventable. 

We have to do better.

There are great leaders doing great work to help moms and babies, and it's up to us to invest in them. That's why we're dedicating a portion of our office's funds to fund one project that will improve infant and/or maternal health in Louisville.

The Grant

Our office is committed to funding one $10,000 grant to an organization (or group of organizations who apply together) to improve infant and/or maternal health. To be considered, all you need to do is fill out the application form at the link below. We know your time is valuable, so we've kept it short and simple. You must submit your application by October 15, 2022. Only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible.

We know that $10,000 isn't going to solve this problem, and we are committed to working to secure meaningful investments in infant and maternal health. Over the next several months, we will be working with our partners in government and the community to understand what we can do as a city to support health moms and healthy babies. All of that is to say: we hope this grant is just the start of the conversation.

Link to application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JLM85CM