skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Report finds Kentucky maternal deaths extend into postpartum period

play audio
Play

Monday, November 13, 2023   

Maternal mortality has increased in Kentucky, and the latest data from the United Health Foundation show more moms - especially those of color - are struggling with substance use and mental distress, during and after pregnancy.

Ashley Brandt - director of early care and education with Metro United Way in Kentucky - said the findings come as more families lag behind amid the rising cost of living, lack of affordable child care, and other systemic issues.

She added that most maternal deaths are preventable.

"It's really just an indicator that we're not setting up the system to support families from day one," said Brandt, "which impacts the rest of their lives."

Barriers to preventive care for high-blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic conditions during pregnancy are also driving factors.

According to the latest available state data, more than half of maternal mortality cases in Kentucky were linked to a substance use disorder.

National Medical Director for Maternal and Child Health at UnitedHealthcare Lisa Saul said deaths related to suicide and drug use, in the months after a mom leaves the hospital, have spiked in the past few years.

"What we're finding is that maternal mortality is not just confined to the hospital stay and to birth," said Saul. "But really, we're seeing an impact in terms of deaths in the postpartum period."

Infant deaths are also on the rise. According to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, congenital syphilis among babies has become more than ten times as common in the past decade.

Last year, the disease caused 231 stillbirths and 51 infant deaths. In many of those cases, the person giving birth had received no prenatal care.




Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021