LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded more than $1 million a year for the next five years to the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. The grant will be used to continue the Healthy Start program, an organization that is tackling disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville has been awarded a grant of more than $1 million a year for the next five years from the federal government

  • The money will go to Healthy Start, an organization that focuses on disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes

  • According to the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, infant mortality rates are much higher for African Americans in west Louisville neighborhoods

  • Healthy Start connects families to prenatal care and services like doulas, food assistance, emergency supplies, transportation, housing and more

Niya Brewer, a soon-to-be mother, is one of the women attending a baby shower in Louisville put on by Healthy Start. The free program offers guidance for breast feeding and safe sleep. It also brings new and expectant mothers together for a fun-filled afternoon.  

“I’m feeling really excited about it. This is my first time being a mom. So, I’m excited for this new period of my life,” said Brewer. 

Since Healthy Start’s beginning, professionals say they have seen improved health outcomes in infant and maternal mortality service areas.  

The program started because the infant mortality rates for African Americans in west Louisville neighborhoods are more than double the rate of the Louisville Metro area, according to the health department. They also found Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white peers.

Healthy Start offers a range of programs to help moms and their babies.

“Healthy start is an educational home visitation program. We have virtual and home visitation. There’s no income requirement,” said program manager Julianna Clarke. 

And with this new grant, Healthy Start will get to continue and expand its work connecting families to prenatal care and services like doulas, food assistance, emergency supplies, transportation, housing and more.

“And also a listening ear for when you don’t feel like you got the support that you need,” said program participant Courtney Allen. 

Brewer is ready to join in on the program. 

“Everyone seems excited to learn new things and form a community together,” said Brewer. 

All to get everyone a healthy start. 

Healthy start serves zip codes — 40203, 40208, 40215, 40218, 40219, 40258, 40272, 40210 and 40212. These ZIP codes include residents living in Smoketown, Old Louisville, Portland, Russell, Shawnee, Park DuValle, Park Hill, Parkland, Algonquin and nearby neighborhoods.

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