Closing Gaps in Maternal Mental Health
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health is a national think tank, nonprofit organization advancing policies that support a health care system that routinely detects and treats maternal mental health disorders for every mother, every time.
Throughout history, Black women have been at the forefront of social change, advocating for their rights, their families, and their communities. In the realm of maternal mental health, their contributions are immeasurable. This month, we want to shine a spotlight on their resilience, strength, and the vital role they play in supporting maternal mental health.
Read MoreIn January 2024, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) released new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) titled “Improving Maternal Health and Extending Postpartum Coverage in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),” providing new options for states in extending postpartum Medicaid coverage.
Read MoreOn Tuesday, February 6, I provided the following testimony in support of state Medicaid agencies measuring how often screening and follow-up are occurring for depression in pregnancy. This was through the CMS Medicaid Core Set working group, which evaluates measures for consideration as mandatory for state Medicaid agencies to report.
Read MoreWhat the Segment About Postpartum Depression Missed
It was an honor to share why U.S. women aren’t being diagnosed and treated routinely for postpartum depression on CBS Sunday Morning - the most-watched weekend television show; I am incredibly grateful for the national coverage.
Read MoreHere are the top five 2023 maternal mental health accomplishments we are most excited about:
5. Risk and Resources Map
With support from Plum Organics, the Policy Center developed a groundbreaking Risk and Resources Map. This map identifies areas in the U.S. with the greatest risk for maternal mental health disorders and areas with the greatest gaps in maternal mental health care provider workforce. This map is helping state agencies, non-profits, and philanthropy to prioritize areas with the greatest risk and need for support.
Since 2018, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has been working to highlight the issue of maternal suicide, the need for reporting, and to drive action to improve maternal suicide rates in the U.S. As maternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. and is intricately connected with maternal mental health disorders, The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has also been a strong proponent and a catalyst for the implementation and integration of suicide prevention programs into maternal healthcare.
Read MoreAugust 4, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the field of maternal mental health as the FDA has approved zuranolone, marketed as Zurzuvae, a groundbreaking treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). This 14-day oral regimen, developed by Sage Therapeutics and Biogen Inc., demonstrated significant improvement in depressive symptoms in Phase III trials. Zurzuvae is the first daily pill option available, increasing accessibility and convenience for those in need.
Read MoreThe Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has recently been honored with the prestigious title of "Field Catalyst" for its exceptional contributions to the advancement of maternal mental health care. This recognition highlights the Center's pivotal role in driving transformative change and fostering innovation in this critical area of maternal mental healthcare.
Read MoreThis year the Policy Center ran our second Government Agency Fellows program and third Nonprofit State Policy Fellows program. This May, both cohorts graduated from the 12-month programs and presented their action plans to staff, board members, and guests.
Read MoreLeading baby food company teams up with policy think tank and thought leader for first-of-its-kind national map and “Pin”-tition to shed light on maternal mental health care in the U.S.
Read MoreThe Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, in collaboration with the George Washington University, is releasing the first-ever grading of state efforts in addressing maternal mental health; The results are gut-wrenching – the U.S. has received a D, and 42 states received Ds and Fs.
Read More2020 Mom Announces its new name: the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. The name reflects the 10+ year-old non-profit organization’s work identifying a path forward for health care systems change, with the goal that all mothers are provided the support and treatments they need to thrive.
Read More2020 Mom, a national leader in maternal mental health policy and practice change, shares the importance of detecting postpartum psychosis by re-releasing its psychosis symptom list.
Read MoreThe federal bill that 2020 Mom has championed, was passed by Congress and calls for the development of a national strategic plan to address maternal mental health.
Read MoreNovember is Native American Heritage Month and 2020 Mom wants to address the maternal mental health disparities and honor the history and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
Though Native Americans faced historical trauma and now face extremely high rates of maternal mortality and depression little effort has been made to recognize and prioritize this first population’s maternal mental health disparities and needs.
Read MoreLeading organic baby food company partners with nonprofit organization to help provide resources and close gaps in maternal mental health care for moms.
Read MoreRebecca Britt, MA, Kandyce Hylick, MPH, Sarah Johanek, MPH, and Ebony Wrenn, M.Ed. join 2020 Mom to further its work to aggressively close the gaps in the U.S. maternal mental health care system.
Read MoreNational maternal mental health advocacy non-profit announces its focus on improvements to screening and diagnosis, insurance coverage and reimbursement, and build-up of providers and treatments, as it expands its Board of Directors.
Read MoreWe turn 10 on September 15th.
We are so grateful to have played a foundational role in identifying the gaps and barriers to providing universal maternal mental health care and elevating the opportunities to close them.
LaToya Davis, Communications and Marketing Director; Shalini Wickramatilake, Director of Public Policy, join 2020 Mom to further its work to aggressively close the gaps in maternal mental health.
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