Closing Gaps in Maternal Mental Healthcare
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.
The Policy Center refreshed our Menu of Prevention and Treatment Options for Maternal Mental Health to reflect the latest evidence-based interventions and treatments This comprehensive resource is designed for use by obstetricians, midwives, and family practice providers who provide maternity care, however, can be referred by patients and other treating providers as well.
Read MoreIn December, the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) announced a new framework for supporting improved maternal healthcare delivery for Medicaid enrollees referred to as the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model.
Read MoreZurzuvae™, the new first-of-its-kind 14-day postpartum depression pill, became available in the U.S. yesterday. Zurzuvae is a pill that is taken for 14 days and has been shown to provide rapid improvements in depressive symptoms by day 15, and as early as day 3, according to the drug’s developer, Sage Therapeutics. This is a substantive improvement over the 4-6 weeks to potentially see improvement with standard depression drug treatments.[1]
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 MoreChronic stress from racism, rather than race, is a risk factor for maternal mental health disorders. Chronic stress and higher levels of lifetime exposure to trauma increase adverse health and mental health outcomes for Black women, culminating in even higher levels of stress.
Discrimination, racism, and inequities in the maternity care system greatly increase the risk for maternal mental health disorders for Black women. Policy recommendations include increasing Black and BIPOC providers, utilizing non-clinical professionals such as peer support specialists and community health workers, and supporting community-based organizations.
Given the Policy Center’s focus on improving maternal mental health (MMH) detection and treatment rates, we believe it’s critical that obstetric care providers (Ob/Gyns, midwives, and family practice doctors) are reimbursed for their time providing maternal mental health care. Currently, most obstetric care providers are not reimbursed for their time as many are when paid through a global maternity care bundled rate. This letter calls on CMS to provide guidance to state Medicaid agencies on the need to address reimbursement starting in pregnancy and through 12 months postpartum.
Read MoreFrom the inaugural state report cards and a new report highlighting maternal mental health county-level risks to training aimed at expanding the workforce, here are the Policy Center’s most visited web pages of 2023.
Read MoreOn November 7, 2023, Sage Therapeutics announced the wholesale cost of ZURZUVAE™, the postpartum depression pill, at $15,900 for a 14-day treatment cycle. The price has been startling to most (just like the wholesale price of Zulresso was when it was introduced to the market). However, it’s important to understand the wholesale price is not the price individual consumers will pay.
Read MoreOur top five most-read blogs of 2023 highlight the field’s interest in ongoing work happening at the federal level to improve maternal health, mental health, and of course, maternal mental health.
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.
In recent years, mental health has emerged as a global public health priority and a matter of fundamental human rights. Many countries are recognizing the need to adopt or reform their mental health-related legislation. However, existing laws often fall short in addressing discrimination and human rights violations, particularly within mental health care settings. In response to this pressing issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have collaborated to develop a comprehensive publication titled “Mental Health, Human Rights, and Legislation: Guidance and Practice.”
Read MoreIn a move to address the alarming maternal health crisis in the United States, the Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled the 'Birthing-Friendly' designation on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Care Compare online tool. This user-friendly tool aims to empower expectant parents by helping them identify hospitals and health systems committed to providing high-quality maternity care.
Read MoreIn October 2023, the Federal Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the release of millions of dollars of investments into maternal health care. This included announcing the second round of funding for state maternal mental health programs. This funding was made possible through the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act, which was passed in 2017 (and led by the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health, a prior project of the Policy Centers).
Read MoreOn July 25th, 2023, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury announced proposed rules to strengthen the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. We have been honored to be a part of shaping these rules with the Department of Labor and The Kennedy Forum over the past several years. This week the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health submitted the following letter in response to the proposed rules.
Read MoreSince 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 MoreAs part of the Federal government’s efforts to address maternal mental health in America, the Office of Women’s Health has developed an awareness campaign - starting with postpartum depression. The Policy Center is partnering with HHS on further addressing the range of maternal mental health disorders (MMH), detection in pregnancy, and incorporating the universal symbol of MMH, the blue dot, into future materials.
Read MoreIt’s an exciting time for maternal mental health for a number of reasons - and at the Policy Center, we are particularly excited to report that the new Federal Task Force on Maternal Mental Health launched on September 27.
Read MoreEvery year on September 26th, World Contraception Day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of access to safe and effective contraception.
While contraception is often associated with family planning and preventing unintended pregnancies, it plays a far more significant role in maternal mental health than we might realize.
Read MoreThe Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health submitted the following letter in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Proposed Physician Fee Schedule regarding peer support, community health workers, and social determinants of health, gleaning insights from our partners at Mental Health America and the American Association on Health and Disability.
Read MoreMaternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality in the US. While maternal mortality has rightfully garnered increasing attention in recent years, maternal suicide has been historically overlooked as a cause of maternal mortality because national maternal mortality rates previously excluded suicides as pregnancy-related deaths, instead classifying maternal suicides deaths as incidental or accidental deaths. According to the provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) there was a record high number of deaths in 2022 from suicide for the general US population. It is important to continue to address suicide prevention efforts for the general and maternal population.
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