Baptist Health Hardin implements Blue Band Project to reduce maternal risk
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (July 23, 2025) – Baptist Health Hardin is implementing a new maternal safety initiative to reduce the risk of stroke and other serious complications in pregnant and postpartum patients with hypertensive disorders. The Blue Band Project aims to enhance coordination among healthcare providers and help facilitate rapid response for patients at risk for conditions like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
The initiative uses a simple but impactful tool: a blue silicone wristband provided to postpartum patients diagnosed with any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP). Patients will be asked to wear the wristband for up to six weeks postpartum—the period of greatest risk—to help alert healthcare providers, emergency departments and first responders to the patient’s elevated risk for eclampsia, stroke and cardiomyopathy.
“High blood pressure during pregnancy or after delivery can sometimes lead to serious health concerns, but many of those concerns can be managed or even prevented with timely care,” said Michelle Estes, RN, MSN, director of obstetrics at Baptist Health Hardin. “This project gives our patients and care teams an added layer of support to help ensure the safest outcomes possible.”
The project is part of a broader effort led by the Kentucky Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force (KyMMM) to standardize maternal safety practices across the state. It builds on the work of the Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MNPQC) and CentraCare St. Cloud, which launched the Blue Band Project in 2020 with measurable results.
Why It Matters
Severe high blood pressure during pregnancy or postpartum is considered an obstetric emergency. Immediate evaluation and treatment – ideally within 30 to 60 minutes – is critical to reducing the risk of stroke or seizure, or other life-threatening complications. The blue band serves as a visual alert, helping care teams act quickly.
Patients who receive a blue band also receive printed and digital educational materials to help them recognize warning signs and advocate for their care. These resources are also available to any healthcare professional who may interact with the patient.
“Every second counts when treating conditions like preeclampsia,” Estes said. “This program ensures that everyone on the care team—from outpatient clinics to emergency rooms—has the information needed to act quickly and effectively.”
More information about the initiative can be found at https://kypqc.org/ and mnpqc.org/blue-band-initiative
To learn more about maternal care at Baptist Health Hardin, visit BaptistHealth.com/Hardin or speak with your healthcare provider.