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Dear District 8,
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.
That's why this month's community conversation is going to focus on maternal mortality, the work being done in Louisville, and the ways we can all engage. There are great organizations--including Healthy Babies Louisville in Metro government--doing great work. Let's learn how we can support the leaders in this field.
I hope you'll join me for a Facebook Live conversation at noon on September 23rd. If you can't make the Live, I hope you'll watch the recording after and be in touch to engage on this issue.
As always, be in touch with questions--we love to hear from you!
Cassie
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