Press Releases

2023

Putting Maternal Mental Health Needs on the Map: Plum Organics and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health Launch Maternal Mental Health Campaign

Leading 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.

FRESNO, Calif., May 10, 2023 – This Maternal Mental Health Month, it’s clear that moms across the U.S. are looking for a support network when it comes to maternal mental health struggles. However, these resources are few and far between for many. Plum Organics - a leading organic baby food brand, and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health – a policy think tank and thought leader for Maternal Mental Health issues – have partnered to develop a first-of-its-kind map to shed light on the major gaps in the maternal mental health care provider workforce. The objective of the map is to illustrate where in the U.S. mothers are at the greatest risk for suffering from maternal mental health disorders and where the greatest need for providers and community-based organizations are.

The map is the first of its kind in the U.S. to track maternal mental health providers and community-based organizations by county, and overlay the perinatal population and its risk factors for maternal mental health disorders. The interactive map, created by Plum and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has uncovered an immense need for more moms to have access to a “village” of both perinatal maternal mental health providers, as outlined in the map, as well as an overall community and support system for moms to show that they are not alone in their struggles.

“As a brand, we understand that it takes a village not only to raise a family, but also to make sure that moms are able to take care of themselves, and we want moms to know that we’re there for them every step of the way - through the good and the bad,” said Amanda Key, Brand Manager at Plum Organics. “This map, along with our partnership with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, is the first step toward highlighting the resource gaps and immense need for a “village,” so that we can all move toward action.”

● Moms most in need are concentrated in the ‘Deep’ South, Appalachia and Southwest. Severe conditions were identified in the Mississippi Delta region, the Gulf Coast, greater Appalachia, and New Mexico & Arizona. Common themes present in all of these areas surround poverty, social instability, and isolation.

● Higher risk factor score levels tend to be associated with rural and less populated regions, while most major metropolitan areas tend to have comparatively moderate to lower risk factor scores.

● Key areas of focus for providers should include combating social isolation, fostering economic development and increasing educational opportunities for mothers. 

● A small number of cities, regions, and states, including Minnesota, the Atlanta Metropolitan region, and the Northeast Corridor exhibit relatively low risk factor scores and may serve well as models.

In response to these findings, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and Plum were inspired to create a “Pin”-tition, to allow mothers, families and other advocates to take action and drop a pin in the map where they want to see more access to maternal mental health resources. By dropping a pin, even in an area where risk factors seem to be lessened, it sheds light and much-needed recognition on specific areas where moms need resources and aid, and ultimately driving visibility and change to help a mother in need.

“Even in today’s world of increasing mental health awareness, mothers frequently feel alone and without a village of support. With the help and partnership of Plum Organics, we executed this ground-breaking research to identify gaps and solutions to build this very village,” said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. She continued, “The map, along with the “Pin”-tition, paints an important picture of need that government, insurers, employers and advocates should all be positioned to take action around.”

The map, along with the “Pin”-tition, can be found at the Plum Organics and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health’s websites. Join us on social media by using hashtags #MMHMap and #Pintition4Moms to raise awareness of the map and “Pin”-tition. 

About Plum Organics

Plum Organics is a leading organic baby food brand with the mission of getting little ones the very best food from the very first bite. Recognized for unique, culinary-inspired recipes, Plum believes introducing a wide variety of nutritious foods from the beginning can impact babies' palates and preferences towards healthy foods for life. Plum offers a complete line of premium organic baby food, toddler and kids snack products. As a brand by parents, for parents, #PlumMakesItEasy. For more information, visit www.plumorganics.com and follow @PlumOrganics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (the “Policy Center”) is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. The Policy Center has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through the identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and advancing legislative and regulatory policy solutions. For more information, visit www.PolicyCenterMMH.org and follow @PolicyCenterMMH on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

Inaugural Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards Released

The 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.

WASHINGTON, DC – May 4, 2023
For Immediate Release

Maternal Mental Health disorders like postpartum depression affect roughly 600,000 (20%) of U.S. mothers a year, with Black and other women of color experiencing substantial disparities in rates and access to care. It is estimated that up to 50% of mothers are not diagnosed by a health care professional, and that 75% of women never get the treatment they need and that is promised in health care coverage contracts. 

When left untreated, these disorders can have lasting impacts on women’s wellbeing, family stability and children’s development. Untreated maternal mental health disorders are estimated to cost the U.S. $14.2 billion annually. 

To address these gaps, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, in collaboration with the George Washington University (GW), has created a report card that scores each state's efforts.   

“Because in the United States health delivery is largely overseen by the states, we knew it was time to give states insight into how they are supporting maternal mental health. With a standard set of measures, states can now benchmark their performance against other states and compare their own performance year over year,” Joy Burkhard, Executive Director of the Policy Center, said.

The report cards grades states in three key domains:

1. Providers and Programs 

2. Screening Requirements and Reimbursements

3. Insurance Coverage and Payment 

Up to three points are provided for each of the 17 measures within these domains. 

“The results of this first ever grading system are not good – with 42 states receiving a D or below,” Caitlin Murphy, research scientist at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, whose research supported the creation of the report cards, said. “The highest grade any state received was a B-, and this was in just one state - California - where the Policy Center has indicated that significant recent philanthropic, legislative and advocacy efforts have occurred.” 

Access the first maternal mental health state report cards here.

About The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (the “Policy Center”) is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. The Policy Center has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through the identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and advancing legislative and regulatory policy solutions. For more information, visit www.PolicyCenterMMH.org and follow @PolicyCenterMMH on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Maternal Mental Health Policy Leader Rebrands as the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

2020 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. 

Washington, DC – March 30, 2023
For Immediate Release

2020 Mom, a leading U.S. maternal mental health non-profit organization, announced today that it has rebranded as the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. The organization was founded in 2011 with a mission to close gaps in maternal mental health care. Its approach was to center mothers and their experiences while laying the foundation for maternal mental health in the U.S. by the year 2020. 

“It was exciting to see that the foundation we helped set for maternal mental health really came together in the early part of this decade. There was a lot to celebrate with the passage of additional federal and state laws addressing maternal mental health, new measures to illustrate the problems and opportunities, and overall expanded awareness among key cross-sector leaders. We’ve had great success partnering with organizations like hospitals, employers, insurance companies, government and professional associations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,” said Joy Burkhard, Founder and Executive Director.

“In 2020 we stepped back, took stock, and narrowed our focus to what we are uniquely positioned to lead given our leadership’s deep understanding of the complex health care system. Under our 2022-2025 strategic plan, we are now focused exclusively on serving as a maternal mental health think tank, providing technical assistance to the field, and continuing to lead cross-sector collaboration efforts,” said Britt Newton, Board of Directors Chair. 

“It was time to have a name that clearly states what we do - inform health care systems and legislative and regulatory policy change,” said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director.

Along with the new name, the organization has refreshed its branding including its logo, and materials such as issue briefs and fact sheets. 

The organization was recently included in the Bridgespan Group’s research studying “field catalysts” and in May will be releasing a state report card documenting state efforts around maternal mental health, as well as a policy roadmap. 

About the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health 

The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (“the Policy Center”) is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression, the number one complication of birth. The Policy Center has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness to one focused on closing gaps in the healthcare system. The organization's work centers around scaling change through content for cross-sector audiences which defines barriers and opportunities and identifies evidence-based and emerging provider practice and policy solutions. Learn more at PolicyCenterMMH.org

The U.S. Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Campaign Finds a New Home 

2020 Mom Announces that Postpartum Support International Will Serve as the New Home of the TheBlueDotProject and the Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Campaign.

Los Angeles, CA – February 22, 2023

For Immediate Release

2020 Mom, a national maternal mental health policy organization, announced today that it is transitioning its Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Social Media Campaign and TheBlueDotProject.org, the corresponding website and social media platforms, to Postpartum Support International this month.   

2020 Mom has been the host of TheBlueDotProject.org and the U.S. Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Social Media Campaign since 2014, first in conjunction with non-profit partners like Postpartum Support International, through the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health. The campaign aims to raise awareness about maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression and promote the blue dot symbol as the universal symbol of maternal mental health awareness.  

“We are so grateful to have been the host of this important project, which has helped reach over 75 million people since 2014. As a part of implementing our 2022-2025 strategic plan which narrows our focus to health care systems and policy change, we are thrilled the project will have a new home at Postpartum Support International, whose mission includes increasing awareness of maternal mental health among the public and professional communities,” said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director, 2020 Mom.

“We are thrilled to host The Blue Dot Project as part of Postpartum Support International. From conception, we were involved in establishing the blue dot as the symbol for promoting awareness and solidarity for perinatal mental health. This natural collaboration allows us to continue to increase awareness for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders, while also promoting hope through the use of the symbol,” said Wendy Davis, Executive Director, Postpartum Support International. 

About 2020 Mom

2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness to one focused on closing gaps in the healthcare delivery system. The organization's work centers around scaling change through content for cross-sector audiences which defines barriers and opportunities and identifies evidence-based and emerging provider practice and policy solutions.

About Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International (PSI) has been supporting perinatal mental health treatment and support for 35 years. PSI offers a wealth of resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to help give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. Additionally, PSI helps train and certify professionals who support families during pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and the postpartum period. Learn more at https://www.postpartum.net/

About the TheBlueDotProject.org 

The blue dot awareness symbol was created by Peggy O’Neil Nosti, a mom who suffered from postpartum anxiety with her third child and wanted to find a way to let other moms know they were not alone. Peggy created a subtle image of a light blue dot and a silver lining to illustrate hope. The symbol was selected by the former National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health after Postpartum Support International hosted a contest to seek symbol ideas. The symbol has since been used in multiple ways to promote awareness and solidarity for maternal mental health.

Maternal Mental Health Organization Shares Postpartum Psychosis Symptom Checklist in Response to Recent Postpartum Psychosis Tragedies

2020 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.

Los Angeles, CA – Wednesday, February 1, 2023 – For Immediate Release

The recent tragedies involving Lindsay Clancy in Boston, MA, and Paulesha Green-Pulliam in San Francisco, CA have brought the much-needed discussion about postpartum psychosis and maternal mental health disorders to the forefront of national news.  

To address the grave concern and confusion from the public and professional community, 2020 Mom is announcing the re-release of its overview of postpartum psychosis and a psychosis symptom checklist that can help people understand the prevalence, risk factors, and signs and symptoms. 

Detection of mental health disorders generally first involves the person experiencing symptoms completing a questionnaire or what is referred to as a “screening tool” about his or her symptoms. Because psychosis involves a break in reality, a person experiencing psychosis may be incapable of completing a symptom screening questionnaire directly which is why there isn’t a psychosis screening tool. Family and those who are in close contact with the mother are often the first to notice behavior changes and should be referring to a symptom checklist.  

2020 Mom has developed the Psychosis Overview and Psychosis Symptom Checklist (PSC) to assist families and providers in recognizing psychosis. 

“As a perinatal psychiatrist, postpartum psychosis is the hardest, most difficult diagnosis I see. My heart breaks for these two mothers, their suffering, and their families. Tools like the 2020 Mom Psychosis Symptom Checklist are one step toward giving families the information and support they need and deserve.” said Melanie Thomas, MD, a psychiatrist on 2020 Mom’s Advisory Board.  

“Working in a safety net setting, it's critical that I point out, to truly prioritize the well-being of women and children, we must also support women by addressing social determinants of health, like helping them out of poverty and preventing racism,” she said. 

Our thoughts are with the Clancy and Green-Pulliam families during this difficult time; 2020 Mom and our partners will continue to develop tools, and policy solutions to close gaps in maternal mental health care.  

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness to one focused on closing gaps in the healthcare delivery system. The organization's work centers around defining the barriers and opportunities, convening cross-sector change agents, and scaling solutions through policy and practice change. 

2022

2020 Mom Announces the Passage of The Federal TRIUMPH for New Moms Act

The 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.

Washington, DC - December 23, 2022

 As a result of an effort led by the national maternal mental health advocacy organization, 2020 Mom, the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act (H.R.4217/S.2779) was passed by Congress in its end-of-year omnibus, to create the first-ever national Maternal Mental Health taskforce. 

The bipartisan TRIUMPH for New Moms Act (“TRIUMPH”) was introduced by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44), Larry Bucshon (R-IN-08), Young Kim (R-CA-39) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL) to create a national strategy to address maternal mental health disorders, and coordination and integration of maternal mental health into existing maternal, infant, and mental health activities at the federal level. More specifically, TRIUMPH promotes federal collaboration between agencies and departments to protect and address the mental health of new mothers and creates recommendations to state governors, House and Senate Committees, and relevant federal agencies to improve maternal mental health outcomes. 

“Maternal Mental Health has long-standing impacts on mothers, families and society.  Passage of the TRIUMPH Act ensures that it no longer falls through the cracks and is addressed head-on at the federal level, and provides critical direction to states.  The time is absolutely now to address maternal mental health and we couldn’t be more pleased that Congress agrees,” said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director of 2020 Mom. 

 “Mental health challenges are incredibly common among new moms, and we must take additional action to address those challenges in a meaningful way,” Senator Maggie Hassan, the co-author of the Senate bill said. “Our bipartisan bill takes an important step toward supporting maternal mental health and ensuring that moms have the support that they need through every step of their journey. I’m glad that our commonsense bill was included in the government funding bill,” she said.

 2020 Mom applauds the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and all Members of Congress who voted to pass the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act in the end-of-year omnibus.

About 2020 Mom

 2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and driving state and federal legislative and regulatory policy solutions.

2020 Mom Announces Election of U.S. Health Leaders to its Board of Directors

National maternal mental health think tank announces the election of Britt Newton as Board Chair, Priya Bathija as Incoming Board Chair, and new health leaders as members of its Board of Directors, Carla Eckhardt, MSc, and Benjamin Miller, PsyD.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2022 — 2020 Mom is honored to announce the election of Britt Newton as Board Chair and Priya Bathija as Incoming Board Chair and welcome two U.S. healthcare leaders to its board, Carla Eckhardt Taracena, MSc, and Benjamin F. Miller, PsyD.

2020 Mom has elected Britt Newton as the organization's Board Chair. Mrs. Newton is a sales professional with experience in healthcare and technology and believes in the power of connecting the dots in health care delivery. With personal experiences with infertility and birth complications, Mrs. Newton is passionate about the mission of 2020 Mom.

Priya Bathija will serve as the Board Chair elect. She is the founder and CEO of Nyoo Health and an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Ms. Bathija previously served as a Vice President at the American Hospital Association, where she led policy efforts and strategic initiatives on value, health equity, and maternal health. She strongly believes in the importance of the health care system prioritizing women's health and mental health.

Carla Eckhardt Taracena, MSc, has been elected to the board for her first two-year term. She draws on more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit and organizational management in various leadership roles, from Chief Operating Officer in a U.S. healthcare system to Country Director for International Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). Ms. Eckhardt Taracena provides strategic and operational leadership to effectively guide organizations to fulfill their mission. She is a graduate of Yale University and holds a master's degree in science (MSc) in global management from the Robert Kennedy College business school in Zurich, Switzerland.

2020 Mom also welcomes Dr. Benjamin Miller to its Board. Dr. Miller is the past president of Well Being Trust, a national foundation dedicated to advancing the mental, social, and spiritual health of the nation. Over the last two decades, Dr. Miller has worked tirelessly to prioritize mental health in our policies, programs, and investments. A clinical psychologist by training, Miller works at the intersection of policy and practice, ensuring that mental health and addiction is prioritized across America.

"The election of these new board members and leaders of the board further adds to the expertise of 2020 Mom's board and staff and our ability to double-down on our focus of improving maternal mental health detection and treatment rates in the U.S.," said Joy Burkhard, MBA, Founder, and Executive Director. "We are well positioned to continue to catalyze the field of Maternal Mental Health and to close gaps in maternal mental health care delivery," she said.

About 2020 Mom

2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness to one focused on closing gaps in the healthcare delivery system. The organization's work centers around scaling change through content for cross-sector audiences which defines barriers and opportunities and identifies evidence-based and emerging provider practice and policy solutions.

Plum Organics and 2020 Mom Partner to Drive Change in Mental Health Care for Moms

Leading organic baby food company partners with nonprofit organization to help provide resources and close gaps in maternal mental health care for moms.

FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Plum Organics, a brand with a purpose of giving little ones the very best food from the very first bite, today announced a collaboration with 2020 Mom, a nonprofit advocacy organization on a mission to close gaps in maternal mental health care. Together, the two organizations will join forces with two primary goals: to continue efforts toward destigmatizing mental health challenges for moms across the country and deliver much-needed research about mental health resources.

"As a brand, we at Plum are driven by supporting moms with quality choices when it comes to providing their children with delicious and nutritious organic food options," says Braden Bender, Interim President of Sun-Maid Growers of California, parent company of Plum Organics. "We recognize that there is a large gap in resources when it comes to maternal mental health care. By working with 2020 Mom, we are confident that we can continue to make a difference for moms who are struggling with maternal mental health. Through The Mindful Effect Program, we will focus on being a reliable ally and providing moms with resources they may not have had access to previously."

According to 2020 Mom, more than 600,000 mothers will suffer from a maternal mental health (MMH) disorder in the U.S. every year1. Untreated MMH disorders can have devastating impacts on not only a mother's health and functioning, but on their baby's health and development, and overall family stability.

Plum Organics and 2020 Mom will produce a first-of-its-kind national map shedding light on the maternal mental health provider workforce, including community-based organizations and maternal mental health providers. This proprietary data will serve as a foundation to understanding maternal support in the U.S., or lack thereof, and the key areas where both organizations can work to ameliorate the current state of maternal support systems. Once complete, these findings will be available on both the Plum Organics and 2020 Mom websites.

"We are thrilled to partner with a brand like Plum Organics, whose mission and values align perfectly with our organization," says Joy Burkhard, Founder and Executive Director of 2020 Mom. "Even in today's world of increasing mental health awareness mothers frequently feel alone and without a village of support. With the support and partnership of Plum Organics we are executing this ground-breaking research to identify gaps and solutions to build this very village."

Both organizations are working together to bring new resources to moms and are expected to unveil their findings and integral resources in 2023.

For more information on Plum, visit the Plum Organics website and follow @PlumOrganics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information on 2020 Mom, visit the 2020 Mom website and follow @2020_Mom on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Plum Organics
Plum Organics is a leading organic baby food brand with the mission of getting little ones the very best food from the very first bite. Recognized for unique, culinary-inspired recipes, Plum believes introducing a wide variety of nutritious foods from the beginning can impact babies' palates and preferences towards healthy foods for life. Plum offers a complete line of premium organic baby food, toddler and kids snack products. As a brand by parents, for parents, #PlumMakesItEasy. For more information, visit www.plumorganics.com

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through the identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and advancing legislative and regulatory policy solutions. For more information, visit www.2020mom.org

2020 Mom Hires New Key Leaders

Rebecca 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.

LOS ANGELES, CA — August 4, 2022— For Immediate Release

2020 Mom, a nonprofit advocacy organization whose mission is to close gaps in maternal mental health care, welcomes four new staff members to support its research and policy efforts.

Rebecca Britt, MA, Director of Research and Impact, will lead the organization’s research efforts as well as further identifying measures and monitoring results to inform 2020 Mom’s (and the MMH field’s) efforts to close gaps in maternal mental health. Rebecca holds a Master's degree in Program Evaluation and a professional certification in Results Based Accountability and previously served as the Director of Education and Engagement at the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Kandyce Hylick, MPH, is joining 2020 Mom as a Policy Analyst and will lead the organization’s issue brief development work as well as serve as the lead author of the Maternal Mental Health State of the Nation report. She is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior at the University of Georgia. In addition, she previously supported maternal mental health efforts at the American Public Health Association. Kandyce aspires to help bring about integrated maternal health care models that allow women to get the care they need and deserve while bringing children into this world.

In her role as Policy Project Manager, Sarah Johanek, MPH, will be researching, tracking and educating the field about critical federal policy issues, and supporting the organization’s work engaging federal agencies and other partners. Sarah previously supported the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance with public policy efforts. Her public health background cultivated her experience in program evaluation, data analytics, and community-based research.

Ebony Wrenn, M.Ed., will serve as the Program Director for Mom Congress, currently a project of 2020 Mom. Mom Congress is a membership organization that is addressing the most pressing policy issues of motherhood, including what we call the “motherload” (the stress that U.S. mothers carry, at higher rates than other developed countries). Ebony joins the Mom Congress team after serving for over ten years in the field of urban education, most recently as an Early Childhood Principal. She is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at National Louis University and will graduate in 2022.

Contact:
Kelly Nielson
Kelly@2020Mom.org

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and advancing legislative and regulatory policy solutions.

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org

About Mom Congress
Mom Congress seeks to serve as the gateway to bring the voices and concerns of mothers and families to the government, media, and public at large.

Learn more at https://www.mom-congress.com/

2020 Mom Receives Multi-Year Grant from the ZOMA Foundation to Advance Maternal Mental Health Systems Change

Funding supports identifying and measuring barriers for patients and providers in accessing care

Washington, DC - July 13, 2022 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, 2020 Mom announced it was awarded a multi-year grant from the ZOMA Foundation to allow the organization to grow its capacity to advance solutions to substantive barriers for both providers and patients in accessing maternal mental health care.

“We are grateful for ZOMA’s recognition of our work thus far in catalyzing change in maternal mental health,” said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director of 2020 Mom. “We will share progress with these initiatives with the maternal mental health field throughout the next two years with great anticipation as these priorities are certainly key in closing gaps in delivery of accessible and high-quality maternal mental health care,” she said.

Through this grant, 2020 Mom will advance its strategic plan by:

• Tracking and reporting of maternal mental health disorder screening rate measures;

• Surveying providers and patients about their insurance experiences;

• Re-developing the “Whole Mom” maternal mental health best practices for insurers; and

• Researching development of a certified peer support Center of Excellence.

Contact
Kelly Nielson
Kelly@2020Mom.org

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and advancing legislative and regulatory policy solutions.

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org

About ZOMA Foundation
ZOMA Foundation was founded by Ben and Lucy Ana Walton to catalyze systemic, scalable solutions to key issues facing their home regions of Colorado and Chile to support the development of resilient, thriving communities. Using philanthropy as a catalytic tool, ZOMA Foundation seeks to explore traditional and non-traditional methods, pilot new models, and incubate place-based approaches in service of advancing systems change in early childhood and community economic development.

2020 Mom Applauds House Passage of TRIUMPH for New Moms Act as Part of Comprehensive Mental Health Package 

National maternal mental health think tank applauds step forward for maternal mental health, calls for swift passage of legislation in Senate 

Washington, DC - June 22, 2022 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, national maternal mental health think tank 2020 Mom applauded House of Representatives passage of H.R.7666 the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, which includes H.R.4217 the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act. The TRIUMPH Act has been championed by a non-profit coalition and grassroots advocacy effort led by 2020 Mom.

The TRIUMPH Act will promote federal collaboration between agencies and departments to protect and address the mental health of pregnant people and new mothers. The bill will integrate mental health into existing federal maternal and infant care programs and issue recommendations for Governors to improve prevention, identification, and treatment in their states.

“To address the urgent issue of the maternal mental health crisis, collaboration across federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profits, and medical experts is essential,” said  Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44). “I am proud the House passed H.R.7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, today, a comprehensive mental health package that includes my legislation the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act. This crisis has placed enormous strain on parents, families, and communities everywhere. We need a national strategy for maternal mental health that coordinates to make sure governments are equipped with best practices, cross-departmental partnerships, and a focus on mental health care integration. This critical and necessary bill will create a national strategy to address maternal mental health and substance use disorders impacting new mothers, and integrate maternal mental health into existing maternal, infant, and mental health activities on the federal level. By passing this bill, Congress is taking needed action to improve maternal mental health for parents and families in California’s 44th Congressional District and throughout our nation.”

“Becoming a parent is both exciting and challenging. Too often, pregnant and new mothers feel alone on that journey. Today’s passage of my TRIUMPH for New Moms Act in the House is an important step toward providing mental health and other resources often needed at the beginning of motherhood,” said Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN-08).

The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act is a comprehensive mental health package that includes the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act. The TRIUMPH Act calls for the creation of a national strategy to address maternal mental health disorders through coordination and integration of maternal mental health into existing maternal, infant, and mental health activities on the federal level. It was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) in June 2021. The legislation now advances to the Senate for a vote.

“When mothers are healthier, our society is healthier. Women facing maternal mental health issues have fallen through the cracks for too long. Today’s passage of the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act in the House is a crucial step forward for our movement. We join with mothers, families and healthcare providers nationwide to call for swift passage of the larger Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act in the Senate,” said Joy Burkhard, 2020 Mom Executive Director.

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness of one disorder, postpartum depression, to building a movement to address maternal mental health. The organization's work centers around closing gaps in the healthcare system by scaling change through identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and driving legislative and regulatory policy solutions. 

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org

2020 Mom Announces 2022-2025 Strategic Priorities and New Board Members Priya Bathija, Rosanna Durruthy & Julie Stadlbauer

Washington, DC - January 25, 2022 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National 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.

2020 Mom today announced its 2022-2025 strategic priorities and the addition of Priya Bathija of the American Hospital Association (AHA), Rosanna Durruthy of LinkedIn, and Julie Stadlbauer of Progyny as new members of its Board of Directors.

2020 Mom’s 2022-2025 strategic plan was released publically today and describes the organization’s strengthened commitment to supporting implementation of evidence-based and promising practices in the healthcare system so all women are tested, and all who are positive receive the diagnosis and treatment/benefits they deserve and for which they/society have purchased.

2020 Mom will do this by centering on three areas of focus:

Availability of Providers/Treatments
Addressing workforce shortages and access to novel treatments

Appropriate Screening/Diagnosis
Promoting screening and appropriate diagnosis, and doing no harm

Ample Insurance Coverage
Improving:

• Access to in-network insurance providers

• Adequate reimbursement of providers

• Affordable cost to patients and reduction of denials

"By focusing on our unique core competencies, which are rooted in understanding the role payors play, we will elevate policy solutions that further the health system change needed to detect and treat these horrific disorders,” said Joy Burkhard, the founder and executive director.

The organization further announced the addition of three members to its Board of Directors, who are well-positioned to guide the organization through these efforts: Priya Bathija, Rosanna Durruthy, and Julie Stadlbauer.

Priya Bathija is Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the American Hospital Association (AHA). In her role, she leads AHA’s efforts to guide hospitals as they promote value and affordability by implementing strategies that improve outcomes, lower costs, and enhance patient experiences. She also leads the organization’s work on maternal and child health, social determinants, and is a member of AHA’s Health Equity Strategies team.

Rosanna Durruthy is the Vice President, Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at LinkedIn. She serves as the lead catalyst for helping to create change through a diverse and inclusive culture that readily enables the power of belonging for all of their employees worldwide. Rosanna is a globally-recognized strategist and business influencer who has been leading organizations and empowering adaptive emerging leaders for over two decades. Her expertise will be instrumental in continuing to develop and support 2020 Mom's new strategic vision and mission.

Julie Stadlbauer is the Executive Vice President, Strategic Sales and Partnerships at Progyny, Inc. She brings over two decades of strategy and leadership in business development at notable healthcare start-ups and some of the world’s largest health insurance companies. She leads a diverse team focused on Progyny’s strategy and growth execution across key partnerships, industry groups, and employer sales.

"We are so pleased to welcome these three incredibly intelligent, dedicated, and energized leaders to our Board. Their diverse backgrounds will further the organization’s growth and our mission of closing the gaps in maternal mental health," says Carole Mendoza, Chair of 2020 Mom's Board of Directors.

Contact:
Kelly Nielson
kelly@2020mom.org
310-955-1081

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is working to prevent the suffering of mothers, babies, and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness to one focused on closing gaps in the healthcare delivery system. The organization's work centers around scaling change through identification of evidence-based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and driving legislative and regulatory policy solutions.

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org

2021

2020 Mom Applauds Sens. Hassan and Tillis for Introducing the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act to Reduce Maternal Suicide and Close Gaps in Maternal Mental Healthcare for New Moms

Washington, DC - September 21, 2021 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As the U.S. observes National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, it is crucial that we pay particular attention to the impact of mental health conditions on new mothers. Maternal suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, with suicides comprising up to 20% of all postpartum deaths. These suicides are driven in large part by the maternal mental health crisis, which impacts 1 in 5 new moms.

Federal support for maternal mental health services is often fragmented and siloed across executive branch departments and agencies, leaving vulnerable moms in the lurch. Today, in an effort to address these gaps, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Taskforce Recommending Improvements for Unaddressed Mental Perinatal & Postpartum Health (TRIUMPH) for New Moms Act of 2021. The bill will create a federal task force and national strategy to coordinate government resources, improve program efficiency, and work strategically with Governors to increase mental health prevention and treatment services for moms across the United States.

The TRIUMPH Act will coalesce key agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), other federal departments, as well as other stakeholders, to: 1) review existing federal programs that address maternal mental health and better coordinate those programs; 2) identify and report on best practices related to prevention, screening, early intervention, referral to care, and treatment for mothers with mental health issues; 3) develop a national strategy for maternal mental health; 4) and work with Governors to disseminate the strategy and implement best practices in the states.

By breaking down the bureaucracy and clarifying executive branch strategy, we can direct resources to the families and communities most in need. Currently, 50% of moms suffering from maternal mental health conditions are never identified and treated, leading to long-term effects on the mother and infant. TRIUMPH will equip existing maternal and infant health programs with best practices, cross-departmental partnerships, and a focus on mental health care integration in order to protect new moms and families at the most vulnerable time in their lives.

“Mothers too often face immense mental health challenges before and after giving birth, and new moms need more support to help them manage and overcome these health concerns,” Senator Hassan said. “Our bipartisan bill would take long-overdue steps to coordinate a federal response to address postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as the devastating rate of maternal suicides. I will continue to work with Senator Tillis and my colleagues across the aisle to get pregnant and postpartum mothers the resources that they need to take care of themselves and their babies.”

“We need to remove the stigma attached to mental health, especially for new moms who are battling with postpartum depression,” said Senator Tillis. “We must support mothers and streamline suicide prevention and mental health treatment services, and this legislation does just that. I am proud to work with Senator Hassan on this important bipartisan legislation to provide resources to mothers across North Carolina and the rest of the country.”

Shalini Wickramatilake, Director of Public Policy for 2020 Mom, said, “The TRIUMPH Act will not only improve efficiency at the federal level but also at the individual level, ensuring that moms receive mental health services that are effective and efficient.” Wickramatilake added, “2020 Mom is proud to be partnering with lawmakers on this important piece of legislation. We applaud Senators Hassan and Tillis for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that moms receive the care that they need.”

Learn more about the bill here.

Contact:
Shalini Wickramatilake, Director of Public Policy, 2020 Mom
shalini@2020mom.org

About 2020 Mom:
2020 Mom is a national nonprofit organization committed to closing the gaps in maternal mental health care by advancing effective policies. Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org.

Related Links
http://www.2020mom.org

2020 Mom Welcomes Two New Staff Members to the Executive Leadership Team

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.

LOS ANGELES, CA — July 15, 2020— For Immediate Release

2020 Mom, a nonprofit advocacy organization whose mission is to close gaps in maternal mental health care, welcomes two new members to the staff, LaToya Davis as the Director of Communications and Marketing, and Shalini Wickramatilake, Director of Public Policy.

LaToya Davis, MS is an innovative communications and marketing leader with more than ten years of experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors with experience working for iHeartRadio and Under Armour. In her role, LaToya will be responsible for helping to build and lead multi-faceted and multi-channel communications and marketing strategies to advance 2020 Mom's mission.

"I was first introduced to 2020 Mom through a communications leadership organization where I'm an active member. After reading and learning about 2020 Mom's mission in closing the gap in maternal mental health and being a leader in the public health crisis space, I was not only impressed, but knew I wanted to be a part of something so powerful," said Davis. “My passion resides in strengthening parenting support for mothers and helping to solve the elaborate public mental health crisis."

Shalini Wickramatilake, MHS is a public health and policy professional whose hope is that anyone struggling with mental health or addiction issues can access the services they need. Before joining 2020 Mom, Shalini served as the Associate Director of Federal Affairs for the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), where she held several previous positions and focused on issues related to substance use disorders. In addition to her work at 2020 Mom, Shalini is pursuing her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at the Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“I have always been interested in women’s health issues, and I’m excited to use my health policy expertise to positively impact mothers across the country. We currently have a maternal mental health crisis, and moms are not getting the support they need. I look forward to working with lawmakers, the Federal Administration, and critical public health stakeholders to ensure that all mothers get the mental health screening, treatment, and recovery support services they need and deserve,” Wickramatilake said. “2020 Mom is a leader in this space, and I’m thrilled to be joining at a time when maternal mental health is increasingly getting attention at the national level.”

Contact:
Joy Burkhard
310-955-1081

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom works to close gaps in maternal mental health care by advancing regulatory and legislative policy change and by providing tools and convening opportunities for change agents.

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org

TRIUMPH for New Moms Act To Build Strategy for Improved Mental Health of U.S. Mothers

2020 Mom champions a new bill calling for the formation of a federal interdepartmental maternal mental health task force and strategic plan to identify opportunities, coordinate resources, and build upon programs to improve the well-being of mothers.

WASHINGTON DC - June 29, 2021— For Immediate Release

Up to 20% of pregnant and postpartum mothers will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder like postpartum depression or anxiety. Screening to detect these disorders isn’t conducted routinely, and treatment, when offered, is often fragmented, expensive, and delayed.

Untreated maternal mental health disorders impair mother-infant interactions, which can lead to negative behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impact on the child.

A recent study concluded that untreated disorders cost the U.S. over $14 billion dollars each year. This includes the cost of productivity loss, preterm births, long-term health care costs, and child behavioral/developmental costs.

In an effort to close this gap, on Tuesday, House of Representatives members Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44th District), Larry Bucshon (R-IN-8th District), Young Kim (R-CA-39thDistrict), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-District At-Large) introduced the Taskforce Recommending Improvements for Unaddressed Mental Perinatal and Postpartum Health (TRIUMPH) for New Mothers Act. The TRIUMPH Act calls for the formation of a maternal mental health task force of federal agencies to (1) Review and identify existing programs and best practices; (2) Close gaps, eliminate federal duplication, and coordinate federal resources; and (3) Create a national strategy and issue recommendations to Governors.

“The high rate of mental health conditions among new mothers is heartbreaking and it demands action. At a time that should be full of joy, we must ensure that women get the mental and physical health care they need. The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act will help us achieve that goal,” Diaz Barragán said.

“Indiana has the third highest maternal mortality rate in the country. This is an urgent health care challenge that we must address, and the great news is that we can. Research indicates that, in many cases, these deaths can be prevented through targeted solutions like increasing mental health support for pregnant and new mothers,” said Dr. Bucshon. “I have long been working to tackle this crisis, and I am proud to help introduce the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act, which will create a task force of experts designated specifically to improve maternal mental health and reduce maternal mortality rates.”

“As a mother of four, I am familiar with the struggles new mothers often face,” said Kim. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to support mothers and provide targeted resources to women and families who need it most.”

“Maternal health outcomes, especially among women of color, is a public health emergency in our country. In combating any public health emergency, we need information, coordination, and action. That’s why today, I’m proud to join with my colleagues to introduce the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act,” said Blunt Rochester. “This bill will review and determine best practices for maternal health, coordinate and streamline federal resources to get them where they need to go, and most importantly, create a coordinated national strategy to help mothers throughout the country.”

The nonprofit advocacy organization 2020 Mom is proud to be partnering with these congress members to guide the legislative process. Learn more about the bill here.

Contact:
Shalini Wickramatilake
shalini@2020mom.org

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom works to close gaps in maternal mental health care by advancing regulatory and legislative policy change and by providing tools and convening opportunities for change agents.

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org

2020 Mom Announces Year-End Impact Report and New Board Members Jaime Cabrera, Sheryl Connelly, and Jasper Hendricks, III

National Maternal Mental Health Social Good Non-Profit Unveils its 2020 Impact Report and Expands Board of Directors

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire

2020 Mom, a national non-profit organization focused on the prevention, early detection and treatment of maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression, unveiled its 2020 Impact Report and announces that Jaime Cabrera, MPH, Sheryl Connelly, and Jasper Hendricks, III have joined its Board of Directors.

"We are pleased to share our reach and successes in our 2020 Impact Report, despite 2020 requiring all of us to change course. After laying the groundwork for change for over nine years, we are even more committed to doubling down on execution of closing the remaining gaps in maternal mental health as we head into our next decade," said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director.

2020 Mom is honored to have the following new board members join the organization on this journey:

Jaime Cabrera is the Executive Director of the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative. She brings extensive nonprofit and healthcare experience in strategic planning, board governance, resource development and management, operations and finance. Ms. Cabrera will leverage her passion and strengths to increase visibility and enhance 2020 Mom's public image, support a strong infrastructure, cultivate donors, and grow new revenue streams.

Sheryl Connelly is a globally-recognized corporate futurist for Ford Motor Company who has been leading cross-functional teams of professionals in long-term planning and strategy exercises for over a decade. Sheryl's expertise will be instrumental in continuing to develop and support 2020 Mom's strategy, marketing, and communications efforts.

Jasper Hendricks, III is a policy and nonprofit consultant and brings a wealth of nonprofit experience, specifically in bringing together diverse groups for the purposes of developing strategies around common legislative, fundraising, and advocacy goals. Jasper is skilled at relationship development and is looking forward to connecting even more change agents in health, equity and policy to drive 2020 Mom's continued impact.

"We are so delighted to welcome these strategic visionaries to our Board as we enter the next phase of our work closing gaps in maternal mental health," says Carole Mendoza, Chair of 2020 Mom's Board of Directors.

"There has never been a more important time to ensure that the health delivery system is doing what it should to detect and treat mental health disorders, especially in the population we serve - the wellbeing of a mother is fundamental to a family's ability to thrive," said Burkhard.

About 2020 Mom

Founded in 2011, 2020 Mom is working to prevent suffering of mothers, babies and families associated with untreated maternal mental health disorders, like postpartum depression. 2020 Mom has driven the national conversation from one centered around raising awareness to one focused on closing gaps in the healthcare delivery system. The organization's work centers around scaling change: identification of evidenced based and emerging solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and driving legislative and regulatory policy solutions.

LinkedIn: @2020 Mom
Facebook: @2020Mom
Twitter: @2020MomProject
Instagram: @2020_Mom

For media inquiries, please contact Kelly Nielson at 310-955-1081 or 262198@email4pr.com

2020

2020 Mom Announces Election of its Board of Trustees’ Chairperson and Secretary

Carole Mendoza, benefits/HR executive, to serve as Chairperson; Kobi Ajayi, graduate research assistant, to serve as Secretary, leading 2020 Mom into its second decade.

LOS ANGELES, CA — October 6, 2020— For Immediate Release

2020 Mom, a nonprofit advocacy organization whose mission is to close gaps in maternal mental health care, announces the election of Carole Mendoza to Chairperson of its board of trustees, succeeding Dr. Aviril (Apple) Sepulveda and Interim Chairperson, John Smith.

Mrs. Mendoza is a global employee benefits executive and most recently served as the organization’s Treasurer.

“I first engaged with 2020 Mom because I was passionate about the organization’s mission and impressed with its ability to attract multiple stakeholders to the table to solve the complex maternal mental health-public health crisis. The organization’s impact on closing gaps in maternal mental health is impressive,” said Mendoza. “I am delighted to now lead the board as we enter the next phase of our development.”

Kobi Ajayi, a public health graduate research assistant at Texas A&M University, was elected Board Secretary.

“We are extremely grateful for the five years of leadership Dr. Aviril Sepulveda provided while on the board of trustees. Her insight and dedication to the organization’s growth have been remarkable,” said Joy Burkhard, Executive Director.

“As we head into the next decade, we are ready to empower change agents to improve the health delivery system and strengthen parenting support for mothers,” said Burkhard.

Contact:
Kelly Nielson
310-955-1081

About 2020 Mom

Up to one in five women suffer from maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression. Screening to detect these disorders is not universal, and treatment, when offered, is fragmented and delayed. 2020 Mom is closing these gaps by advancing regulatory and legislative policy change and providing tools and convening opportunities for change agents.

Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org.

Perigee Fund Invests in 2020 Mom, Executive Director Joins From Cigna

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 29, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- 2020 Mom has been awarded a significant multi-year capacity investment by the Perigee Fund, a philanthropic organization focused in supporting early parenting, so families can thrive.

Effective August 1, 2020 Mom’s Board of Directors is pleased to hire Joy Burkhard, MBA, the organization’s founder, as its full-time Executive Director. Joy will be departing Cigna after nearly 25 years, where she has held leadership roles in supporting regulatory compliance and quality improvement efforts.

“It’s been an honor to work for Cigna, where I have learned about the complex U.S. healthcare system which has enabled me to understand the gaps in our system,” said Burkhard. “I’m incredibly grateful for Perigee’s investment in 2020 Mom; as a mother and health and well-being change agent, I’m very much looking forward to both having more time with my family and putting 100% of my professional energy and heart into driving more change through the powerful organization, 2020 Mom.”

About Perigee Fund

Perigee Fund seeks to expand access to infant and early childhood mental health care and to strengthen support for parents and caregivers who are foundational to children’s development. Learn more: https://perigeefund.org/

About 2020 Mom

2020 Mom is a social change 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driving systems and policy change to close gaps in maternal and mental health care. Learn more: https://www.2020mom.org/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0730s2p-joy-burkhard-300dpi.jpg

*Photo caption: Joy Burkhard, MBA.

Media Contact:
Kelly Nielson
Kelly@2020Mom.org
(310) 760-1313

2020 Mom Founder and Executive Director Joy Burkhard to Serve as Expert Advisor for AHRQ Rural Postpartum Mental Health Challenge

Washington, DC, MAY 21, 2020 – In May, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced that Joy Burkhard, MBA was selected to serve as an expert advisor for their Cross-Sectional Innovation to Improve Rural Postpartum Mental Health Challenge.

The challenge aims to drive both proposal and narrative submissions, allowing the initiative to highlight success stories in rural postpartum mental health and encourage future innovative approaches. Currently, rural women and families face a variety of barriers to accessing mental health care for postpartum mental health problems. These include cost, transportation, childcare, and potential new challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. AHRQ and Ms. Burkhard look forward to examining the cross-cutting solutions submitted to this challenge that encompass digital health, non-traditional partners, and provide treatment and support for postpartum mental health care.

Joy serves as the founding executive director of 2020 Mom, a non-profit, advocacy organization driving system and policy change to close gaps in maternal mental health.

To learn more about the AHRQ challenge and to participate, click here.

About 2020 Mom

2020 Mom, founded in 2011 is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is closing gaps in maternal mental health care through education, advocacy, and collaboration. 2020 Mom understands the complex health care system and how to change the tide so all mothers are screened, diagnosed, and treated for maternal mental health disorders. Because of its proven track record, 2020 Mom is recognized as a national go-to organization that is advancing systems and policy change for maternal health.

2020 Mom is a social change 501(c)3 nonprofit organization driving systems and policy change to close gaps in maternal mental health care.

Media Contact:
Sophia Paliov
sophia@spprla.com
949-525-5022

2019

2020 Mom Founder and Executive Director Joy Burkhard awarded the 2019 APHA “Maternal and Child Health Outstanding Leadership & Advocacy Award”

LOS ANGELES, October 29, 2019 -- 2020 Mom Founder and Executive Director Joy Burkhard has been awarded the 2019 American Public Health Association (APHA) “Maternal and Child Health Outstanding Leadership & Advocacy Award” for her tireless advocacy efforts leading maternal mental health awareness and systems change. The award is given each year at the APHA annual conference during the Martha May Eliot Awards luncheon, which this year will be held on November 5, in Philadelphia. The Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy Award recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to the field by creating the political will to improve the health of mothers and children.

In honoring Joy Burkhard, the APHA recognizes her leadership as the Founder and Executive Director of 2020 Mom, a nonprofit social change organization focused on closing gaps in maternal mental health care. Joy has worked tirelessly on improving detection and treatment of maternal mental health disorders which impact up to 20% of women, and 50% of women living in poverty. These illnesses include depression, psychosis and various forms of anxiety. These disorders can occur within pregnancy or the postpartum period and still largely go undiagnosed and untreated. When left untreated, these disorders not only negatively impact a mother’s sense of self and ability to care for her family, but have been linked to poor child development outcomes.

Since 2020 Mom’s inception in 2011, Joy has led her team and collaborators through a process of learning why these disorders remain untreated including understanding the levers for change. Highlights of her advocacy career thus far include:

1. Forming and leading the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health, which was instrumental in the passage of the U.S. law, Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act (which was signed into law in 2016 by President Obama, as part of the 21st Century Cures Act) and provided federal grants to 7 states thus far to improve telepsychiatry access;

2. She also lead the work promulgating the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission in California, where one in eight U.S. births occur: The California Task Force on Maternal Mental Health. The multi-stakeholder task force issued its recommendations to the public, legislature and to national and state organizations in 2017. This report lead to the introduction and passage of four state laws which 2020 Mom co-sponsored, including a bill that requires obstetricians to screen for maternal depression and bills that engaged hospitals, insurers and regulatory agencies, including the Department of Public Health and the California Medical Board.

3. Joy also worked with non-profit partners and other leaders to expand the 2020 Mom annual D.C. “Hill Day” to bring moms together to address multiple maternal health issues, including the rising rate of maternal death surrounding birth and paid family leave through a coalition and event now called “Mom Congress.” In 2020, 300 moms are expected to attend the event on Capitol Hill.

“It’s incredible to be recognized for this work that I find so rewarding. I have the honor of leading a dedicated and thoughtful team and a network of moms and others ready to roll up their sleeves to make change happen. Through this award, we are all being honored by the American Public Health Association,” said Joy.

About the APHA Maternal Health and Child Health Outstanding Leadership/Advocacy Award

The Outstanding Leadership & Advocacy Award recognizes leaders who serve at local, state or national levels and who have made significant contributions to the field by creating the political will to improve the health of mothers and children. Learn more: https://www.apha.org/apha-communities/member-sections/maternal-and-child-health/who-we-are/awards4

About 2020 Mom

2020 Mom understands the complex health care system and how to change the tide to so all mothers are screened, diagnosed and treated for maternal mental health disorders. 2020 Mom shares these paths forward with stakeholders and thought leaders to drive systemic change and isn’t afraid to push partners through legislative and regulatory change. Because of its proven track record, 2020 Mom is recognized as a national go-to organization who is advancing systems and policy change for maternal health. Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org.

For More Information about 2020 Mom or Joy Burkhard contact 2020Mom@codedPR.com

This May, 1000s of Mothers are Taking the #MakingOverMotherhood Challenge

During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, The Blue Dot Project is hosting a #MakingOverMotherhood Challenge April 29-May 3

LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Dot Project, host of the annual U.S. based maternal mental health social media awareness campaign and national awareness symbol, The Blue Dot, together with spokesperson Jen Schwartz, founder of MOTHERHOOD-UNDERSTOOD, is announcing its 2019 campaign theme, #MakingOverMotherhood. The campaign will run from April 29th to May 3rd. The #MakingOverMotherhood campaign will feature daily memes to "make over" the image of a perfect motherhood and the notion that moms can do it all without support. Mothers are invited to join the 5-Day Challenge and share daily real motherhood photos and messages to social media with the campaign hashtag, #MakingOverMotherhood. "We want to empower mothers, at least for a week, to post photos of what is really happening behind closed doors," said Joy Burkhard.

With the prevalence of women suffering from maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression as high as 1 in 5, acknowledging how difficult motherhood can be is critical to both potentially preventing these disorders by helping to set realistic expectations, and in letting women who are suffering know they are not alone.

"We need to shatter the belief that the perfect mom exists. Real motherhood is hard and messy and sometimes very ugly. We should be able to be real without the fear of being judged or shamed," says Jen Schwartz, The 2019 Blue Dot Project Spokesperson.

Organizations can also proactively sign up as partners at TheBlueDotProject.org to share daily messages. Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is being sponsored by Sage Therapeutics.

Contact:
Cindy Lee Herrick
Cell: 480-338-1076

About The Blue Dot Project
TheBlueDotProject.org hosts the universal symbol for maternal mental health, The Blue Dot, a robin's egg blue circle that is symbolic of maternal mental health disorder awareness, support and solidarity. TheBlueDotProject.org shares daily uplifting and real social media posts and is a project of the non-profit organization 2020 Mom. https://www.thebluedotproject.org/

About 2020 Mom
2020 Mom is a tax-exempt social change organization whose mission is to close gaps in maternal mental health care through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Learn more at http://www.2020mom.org.

About Jen Schwartz
Jen is a writer, speaker and influencer known as the "medicated mommy" who picked up the debris left by postpartum depression and anxiety and created MOTHERHOOD-UNDERSTOOD, a platform for the up to 1 in 5 moms affected by maternal mental health issues and the community she couldn't find while struggling in a dark closet all by herself after the birth of her son. She is committed to shining the light on the darkest of places, where maternal mental health taboos have been hiding out, trying to make us believe that we are not enough and all alone. For more, visit http://motherhood-understood.com.

SOURCE The Blue Dot Project

Related Links

https://www.thebluedotproject.org

2018

Napa, California, April 20, 2018 Local Moms group, Napa Moms and national non-profit organization 2020 Mom, will be hosting a candlelight vigil, open to the public, at Veterans Park in Napa California Monday 4/23 at 7:15 pm to mourn the death of Holly Bloom. Holly was suffering from a maternal mental health disorder and lost her life Sunday after completing suicide.  Holly had attempted suicide last week and her child had previously been taken away from her by CPS.  On Sunday afternoon Holly walked from her home to a parking lot across the street at an elementary school, doused herself in flammable substance and set herself on fire. School was not in session / there were no children present at the scene. Holly was a 43-year-old mental health therapist in Napa, CA and leaves behind her eight month old daughter, Leilani. Speakers will include community leaders and mothers who believe more action should be taken to prevent these tragedies.  

Los Angeles, March 23, 2018  2020 Mom and Congresswoman Katherine Clark announced today that the U.S. House and Senate omnibus spending agreement provides $5,000,000 for the screening and treatment of maternal mental health disorder treatment. 

The funding was authorized in section 10005 of the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255) through the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act. 

The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is directed to make funding available to states through grants. States must apply, and apply for funding to establish, improve or maintain programs to train professionals to screen for, assess and treat maternal depression in women who are pregnant or have given birth in the preceding 12 months.  

“The $5 million secured for maternal mental health programs in the omnibus appropriations bill that passed today will not only make more maternal depression screenings and prevention programs possible across the country, it’s also a resounding affirmation of what advocacy groups like 2020 Mom have been saying all along: The stigma surrounding this condition and the health care system that fails to consistently screen and support mothers suffering from it, must end,” said Congresswoman Clark, author of the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act.
 
2020 Mom will inform its community when the grant applications become available.

2017

November 9, 2017
2020 Mom Executive Director Selected as the Junior League of Los Angeles' "2017 Community Achievement Award Honoree"

October 25, 2017
2020 Mom & the Perinatal Mental Health Society Announce the Winners of the 2017 Maternal Mental Health Innovation Awards

July 19, 2017
Clark, Herrera Beutler Secure $1 Million for Maternal Mental Health

June 07, 2017
2020 Mom & the Perinatal Mental Health Society Launch the Innovation Awards

April 25, 2017
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is May 1-7

2016

December 13, 2016
National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health applauds Senate passage of the 21st Century Cures Act

May 14, 2016
With Blue Dot Project, artist turns postpartum anxiety into a symbol of hope

2015

March 2, 2015
The California Endowment Funds a Study of Maternal Mental Health Resources in California

2014

May 09, 2014
Mother's Day 'May Campaign' to Raise Awareness of Maternal Mental Health Disorders

2013

National 2020 Mom Project Campaign Launches to Address Postpartum Depression by 2020

Moms, health advocates launch 2020 Mom Project during Women's Health Week to invite stakeholders to address the maternal mental health public health crisis

LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative (http://www.camaternalmentalhealth.org/), a non-profit organization committed to increasing and improving maternal mental health awareness, diagnosis and treatment, is launching its national campaign, the 2020 Mom Project (www.2020MomProject.com), to bring screening and treatment for maternal mental health disorders by the year 2020. The 2020 Mom Project is a national call to action that sets forth an aggressive new path for solving what some have called one of the biggest public health concerns of our time: the silent maternal mental health crisis which impacts up to 20 percent of expecting and new moms. It is being launched in recognition of National Women's Health Week, May 12 through 18, 2013 (http://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/).

"Postpartum depression and anxiety are age-old problems that most obstetricians recognize, but very few know how to treat, especially in a timely fashion," said Judy Mikacich, M.D. and Co-Chair of the California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. 

There have been numerous efforts to assist obstetricians (OBGYNs) and primary care providers, such as pediatricians, in screening for mental health problems, but due to a number of challenges – including OBGYNs and pediatricians declaring they don't have enough time and don't know where to refer patients for help – most women and their families aren't being informed, screened and provided treatment.[1]

"We realized it was time to think outside of the box for new easy-to-implement solutions that will change the way the majority of women are educated about maternal mental health disorders and provided help quickly when needed," explained Joy Burkhard, the 2020 Mom Project Director and Co-Chair of the California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. "Because most women give birth in a hospital and many more are expected to be insured beginning in 2014, we were able to come up with the framework for the 2020 Mom Project. The Project has identified recommendations for stakeholders, such as insurers and hospitals." 

Any insurer or hospital can adopt the recommendations by reviewing the guidelines and signing an on-line agreement including the date they will complete implementation. This information is then available for anyone to search on line. The recommendations will be updated each year, and adopters can choose to adopt the latest, more stringent recommendations, or an earlier version.

"It's time for a paradigm shift," explained Burkhard. "We hope that by establishing recommendations for hospitals and insurers, we can be the springboard for significant change by the year 2020."

According to independent studies, women in their childbearing years account for the largest group of Americans with depression.[2] Postpartum depression and anxiety are the most common complications of pregnancy, impacting up to 20 percent of pregnant and new mothers.[3] [4] [5] Despite the prevalence of maternal depression, anxiety and other maternal mental health disorders go largely undiagnosed and untreated. This impacts marriage stability, increases the cost of a mother's medical care, adds to the risk of costly pre-term birth, impacts infant mental health and development, and leads to higher medical care utilization and costs for children over their lifetimes.[6]

About the 2020 Mom Project and the California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative

The 2020 Mom Project is a national campaign of the California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative ("The Collaborative"). The Collaborative is a non-profit organization and was formed in September 2011. The California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative is in part the result of the passage of California Assembly Concurrent Resolution 105, which declared May as Perinatal Depression Awareness month in California. ACR 105 also urged private and public stakeholders to form a volunteer task force to address opportunities for increasing awareness of and screening for maternal mental health disorders. The collaborative includes over 30 members representing for-profit, non-profit and government organizations, including representatives from the regional collaboratives/task forces in the state of California. Its members include a wide representation of the community: medical and mental health professionals, educators, community advocates and individuals who have experienced these disorders.

[1] http://nihcm.org/pdf/FINAL_MaternalDepression6-7.pdf

[2] http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0415/p2247.html#afp19990415p2247-b4

[3] https://www2.aap.org/nach/3rdIMICH/Wisner2009.pdf

[4] http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-2clinics/psychiatric-disorders-during-pregnancy/

[5] http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/screening-for-postpartum-depression-new-data-on-the-epds/

[6] http://nihcm.org/pdf/FINAL_MaternalDepression6-7.pdf

SOURCE The California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative