CDC RFA DP 24-0053 Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality. - Project Abstract Summary Maternal mortality continues to be a significant concern in Kentucky. Kentucky strives to improve health outcomes for women to prevent maternal deaths. The mission establishes a review of all maternal deaths to identify clinical, community, and socioeconomic factors that may influence outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy and continues to guide our comprehensive review process. Kentucky’s Maternal Mortality Review Program (MMRP) is fully staffed. It utilizes a multidisciplinary case review team and recently integrated informant interviews to further examine social determinants of health, disparities, and recommendations. Disparities in Kentucky vary by geography, race, ethnicity, and access to care. Kentucky's population is 87.1% White/Caucasian, 8.6% Black/African American, and 4.2% Hispanic (US Census Bureau, 2021). Death certificates show maternal deaths appear to be higher among Black women in two of the largest urban areas in Kentucky (Lexington and Louisville). Risk factors impacting maternal mortality include tobacco use, obesity, racial disparities, depression, substance use, and other social determinants of health, such as transportation, access to care, domestic violence, and a rural state. Moving forward, the Kentucky MMRP will address disparities in our communities to ensure equitable health for women of childbearing age. The purpose of this funding application is to increase productivity, address health disparities, ensure all case recommendations are inclusive of Kentucky’s population, utilize a holistic lens to focus on the decedent’s entire life, evaluate data, and disseminate best practice efforts to prevent further maternal deaths.
