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.
Last week, the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act (H.R.5487) was introduced by Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill aims to prevent stillbirth through better research and reporting on the topic. Specifically, the bill would:
Read MoreOn September 21, 2021, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Taskforce Recommending Improvements for Unaddressed Mental Perinatal and Postpartum Health (TRIUMPH) for New Moms Act (S. 2779/H.R. 4217) in the U.S. Senate. This bill, if passed, will coordinate federal programs for maternal mental health and create a national strategic plan for addressing maternal mental health disorders.
Read MoreIn December 2019, as a result of 2020 Mom’s advocacy efforts, the House Committee on Appropriations requested that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) develop a report on the role of HHS in addressing maternal mental health (MMH). HHS released their report earlier this year, summarizing existing programs and resources that exist to serve individuals with MMH disorders. For the purpose of the report, HHS defined MMH disorders as depression, anxiety, and psychosis during pregnancy or one year postpartum.
Read MoreGovernment Accountability Office (GAO) Report on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity among Rural Populations
Earlier this year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government oversight and assessment office, released a report titled, Maternal Mortality and Morbidity: Additional Efforts Needed to Assess Program Data for Rural and Underserved Areas.
Read MoreThis week, I head to Washington DC to meet with members of Congress about maternity care.
I will be joined by several colleagues from non-profit organizations, including leaders from groups like Every Mother Counts, The Preeclampsia Foundation, Improving Birth and March for Moms. With more women ever serving in congress, it’s a particularly exciting time to address women’s health and maternity issues.
We have been asked to share what we believe should be the highest priorities in improving maternity care. This includes maternal mental health.
If I were in position to write two federal laws, this is what I’d write.
Read MoreWe love April Dembosky, the reporter that has been covering maternal mental health here in California this year.
Last week, April published another story, "To Screen or Not to Screen - Doctors Debate Postpartum Depression Testing" which is scheduled to publish to Kaiser Health News and National Public Radio this week.
Do a quick read and then come back, as we want to share some points of our own in response to the article. Here goes:
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