Kentucky healthcare providers can turn to KyCOMPASS for confidential support, timely consultations, and educational tools that enhance the way pregnant and postpartum patients receive mental health care.
Frankfort, KY, February 28, 2026 — KYCOMPASS is pleased to launch a new program designed to help Kentucky healthcare providers deliver better care for pregnant and postpartum patients facing mental health or substance use challenges. Through consultations, guidance, and practical educational resources, the initiative gives providers tools to navigate complex cases while keeping families at the center of care.
The program is open to OB/GYNs, pediatricians, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, doulas, social workers, and care managers. Providers can request support for postpartum depression, anxiety, mood disorders, medication decisions during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and risk assessment, including guidance on using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. All consultations are confidential, HIPAA-compliant, and free, ensuring providers can access guidance without extra administrative burden.
For many providers, knowing help is available can make a real difference in a busy clinical day. One leader, Dr. Audrey T. Summers, M.D., Medical Director of KyCOMPASS, describes the program as a way to give providers reassurance and practical support. “When I think about what our providers face each day, it really hits home how important it is to have someone to talk to,” said Dr. Summers. “Having that conversation and walking through options together makes a difference not just in the clinical decision but in how a provider feels walking back into the next patient room.”
KyCOMPASS also offers workshops, webinars, and toolkits that help providers integrate perinatal mental health care into their everyday practice. The program collaborates with partners like the Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Postpartum Support International, and the Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force, connecting clinicians with expertise and access to postpartum depression resources across the state.
Reflecting on the broader purpose behind the program, Dr. Connie Gayle White, MD, MS, FACOG, Founding Medical Director of KyCOMPASS, shared what keeps her motivated. “What drives me most is seeing the relief on a provider’s face when they know they are not alone in managing a complex case,” said Dr. White. “This program is about helping clinicians feel supported so they can, in turn, support families with greater ease and understanding.”
The initiative focuses on care throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum, while also supporting individuals of reproductive age. By offering expert guidance and educational maternal mental health resources, KyCOMPASS helps providers strengthen the care team and improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and families.
Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration through the Kentucky Department for Public Health, KyCOMPASS does not provide direct patient care. Its mission is to equip clinicians with the knowledge, consultation, and tools needed to deliver thoughtful, evidence-informed perinatal mental health care throughout Kentucky.
Healthcare providers interested in consultation or training can visit www.kycompass.org to explore resources and connect with the program. KyCOMPASS invites providers to take advantage of support that helps them care for families with clarity and compassion.
About KyCOMPASS:
KyCOMPASS is Kentucky’s Consultation & Outreach Program for Maternal Psychiatry and Support Services. Its multidisciplinary team provides confidential consultations, practical guidance, and educational resources to help healthcare providers deliver compassionate, evidence-based care for pregnant and postpartum patients across the state.
Media Contact:
Organization: KyCOMPASS
Contact Person: Dr. Audrey T. Summers
Email: [email protected]
Address: 275 E. Main St., HS2-EE Frankfort, KY 40621
Website: https://www.kycompass.org/