$10 Million Allocated for Community Maternal Mental Health Programs

Over the past decade, the United States has grappled with a growing maternal mental health crisis that affects around 1 in 5 pregnant and postpartum women. From navigating new or preexisting behavioral health conditions—such as postpartum depression and anxiety—to battling substance use disorders, mothers nationwide are in urgent need of support to lead healthier lives and build happy families.

The latest effort to address this crisis comes in the form of $10 million in funding allocated to four community maternal mental health programs across the country. Local organizations on the front lines, including The Lakewood Community Service Corporation in New Jersey, Comanche County Hospital Authority in Oklahoma, Finger Lakes Independent Practice Association in New York and Magnolia Women’s Recovery Program in California, each received approximately $2.5 million. These grants will support the development of new programs aimed at improving access to timely, culturally relevant, and evidence-based maternal mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

The funding will specifically enhance community referral pathways and ensure seamless transitions of care for pregnant and postpartum women at risk for, or currently managing, behavioral health conditions.

“These grantees are the first recipients of this new funding that invests in women’s health and can invaluably impact the health of children and families nationwide,” Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA said in a press release. “We look forward to achieving positive outcomes from this funding, such as expanded access to services and increased capacity for providers to identify and address behavioral health conditions in pregnant and postpartum women.”

These grants are a part of the White House’s broader Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, unveiled in June 2022. Since its launch, over $100 million in funds has been directed toward maternal health and countless programs have been initiated, funded or expanded to support parents and moms-to-be.

This investment underscores the importance of prioritizing maternal mental health as a key component of overall family well-being. “The mental health and well-being of new and expectant mothers must be protected,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Supporting maternal behavioral health is an important part of supporting women’s overall health and wellness.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential help 24/7 for women and their families before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA—counselors speak English and Spanish and interpreters can support over 60 languages.