SAINT LOUIS, Mo. – May 8, 2025 – The City of St. Louis Department of Health and Korédé Inc. today announced a strategic partnership to address maternal health disparities through a $500,000 contract funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
This collaboration will enable Korédé House, a division of Korédé Inc., to provide comprehensive maternal care services to 50 women over two years in the St. Louis region. The innovative initiative delivers continuous support throughout the maternal journey, from pregnancy through the first year postpartum.
“This partnership represents a crucial step in addressing systemic maternal health disparities in St. Louis,” said Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Public Health at the City of St. Louis Department of Health. “What impressed us about Korédé Inc’s approach is their comprehensive support model that directly addresses mothers’ physical and emotional needs while creating sustainable systems to ensure long-term access to quality care.”
This collaboration will enable Korédé House, a division of Korédé Inc., to provide comprehensive maternal care services to 50 women over two years in the St. Louis region. The innovative initiative delivers continuous support throughout the maternal journey, from pregnancy through the first year postpartum.
“Our Village Care model recognizes that mothers need consistent, personalized support throughout their entire maternal journey,” said Faleti. “This partnership with the City of St. Louis Department of Health allows us to demonstrate how investing in comprehensive maternal support creates better outcomes for everyone involved, especially mothers and their families.”
The program includes:
Faleti added that studies have shown comprehensive maternal support transforms health outcomes.
“In fact, mothers with access to continuous support with doula services have 57.5% lower oddsof postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety, yet less than 9% of births receivethis level of support,” added Faleti.
Program Impact to Date
Since launching this partnership in the fall of 2024, the program has yielded significant improvements in both maternal and provider outcomes. The program has successfully supported 25 mothers through their pregnancy journeys, reducing isolation in the population with the village care model consisting of peer support, a mental health therapist, a care navigator, and a doula. Additionally, 12 doulas have received comprehensive training and support, with over 90% reporting increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout indicators.
Program participant and mother of three, Stephanie D. said, “Our Peer Leader draws us in, and I feel her spirit every time she speaks. She keeps us connected and informed! Korédé House is so refreshing. I wish everyone having a child could experience these services — everyone deserves the dose of joy and love, and support that the program offers. My doula feels like a sister to me, I can feel her generosity and love. I am still learning to accept help, but she made it easy to be supported.”
Impact metrics will continue to track maternal health outcomes, provider retention rates, and community health indicators.
Sustainable Support System
Korédé Inc’s unique approach also addresses provider burnout through dedicated mental health services, peer support, and professional development for doulas. This innovative focus on maternal care provider wellbeing ensures sustainable, high-quality care delivery while creating lasting careers in maternal health as 43% of birth workers leave the workforce after three years due to lack of sustainability.
A recent survey by the National Academy of Medicine found that implementing providersupport systems like those offered by Korédé Inc can reduce burnout rates by up to 50% and improve provider retention by 45%, ensuring continuity of care that is essential for positive maternal outcomes.
Media Contacts:
Korédé Inc
Carly Scaduto
carlys@korede.co
Department of Health
Erin Ford
forder@stlouis-mo.gov
About the City of St. Louis Department of Health
The City of St. Louis Department of Health is a nationally accredited public health department that serves the more than 300,000 residents of the City of St. Louis. The Department works to assure a healthy St. Louis community through quality public health services and partnerships.
About Korédé Inc
Korédé Inc is revolutionizing maternal care through a comprehensive support model that combines doula care, mental health services, and community connection to address the maternal health crisis. Through physical spaces and technology-enabled support, Korédé House creates sustainable careers in maternal care while improvingoutcomes for mothers and families.
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