Rural maternity and obstetrics management strategies program - the kentucky rural moms network is a collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative designed to expand access to maternal mental health care…

The Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration awarded the University of Kentucky Research Foundation $1,794,316 under the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program (CFDA 93.912) on September 30, 2026, to establish the Kentucky Rural Moms Network, a collaborative initiative expanding access to maternal mental health care and reducing perinatal behavioral health disparities in rural and Appalachian communities across Kentucky.

The project delivers workforce development, care coordination, telehealth services, and community-based education. The University of Kentucky College of Social Work will offer postpartum support international (PSI) certification scholarships to social workers, nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, and other providers committed to rural care. A maternal mental health certificate and specialized field placements will prepare master of social work students for careers in perinatal behavioral health, with practicum sites in medically underserved areas. Newly trained professionals will be matched with telehealth platforms and supported through supervision stipends to encourage retention and licensure. The project will pilot an obstetric care coordinator model embedded in rural clinics to assess patient needs, provide mental health screening and referrals, and follow up at key postpartum intervals. Community-based education co-led by doulas, birth educators, and lactation consultants will promote wellness and reduce stigma. Network partners including federally qualified health centers, mental health agencies, and area health education centers will support training, data sharing, and coordinated service delivery.

Place of performance is Kentucky. The period of performance runs through September 29, 2030.

Rural maternity and obstetrics management strategies program - the kentucky rural moms network is a collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative designed to expand access to maternal mental health care and address rising maternal mortality risks in rural and appalachian communities across kentucky. Building on the university of kentucky college of social work's statewide training infrastructure, the project aims to reduce perinatal mental and behavioral health disparities through workforce development, care coordination, telehealth, and community-based education. The project will offer scholarships for postpartum support international (PSI) certification to social workers, nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, and other providers committed to rural care. A maternal mental health certificate and specialized field placements will prepare MSW students for careers in perinatal behavioral health, with practicum sites located in medically underserved areas. Newly trained professionals will be matched with telehealth platforms and supported through supervision stipends to encourage retention and licensure in perinatal mental health. To ensure continuity of care, the project will pilot an OB care coordinator model embedded in rural clinics to assess patient needs, provide mental health screening and referrals, and follow up at key postpartum intervals. Community-based education will be CO-led by doulas, birth educators, and lactation consultants to promote wellness, reduce stigma, and increase engagement with services. Network partners-including fqhcs, mental health agencies, and area health education centers (ahecs)-will support training, data sharing, and coordinated service delivery. Together, these strategies will build a sustainable, culturally responsive care network, expand the perinatal mental health workforce, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes in kentucky's most vulnerable regions.