Loving Steps is implemented in three localities that were selected due to high infant mortality rates (IMR) and significant perinatal health disparities. From 2011-2013, 154 infants died across the three communities.
The non-Hispanic black infant mortality rate across the Virginia Healthy Start communities is nearly three times the non-Hispanic white infant mortality rate.
Westmoreland County is a rural community in the Northern Neck region of Virginia. Three Rivers Health District administers the Loving Steps program in Westmoreland County.
Petersburg is a small urban community in central Virginia. In 2014, Petersburg was identified by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps as the least healthy city in Virginia. Crater Health District administers the Loving Steps program in Petersburg.
Norfolk is a large urban community in the tidewater region of Virginia. Eastern Virginia Medical School administers the Loving Steps program in Norfolk.