More than 100 national, state and local organizations have joined the National Maternal Mental Health Accelerator, an initiative launched by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health to address gaps in maternal mental healthcare.
The initiative, which launched Sept. 29, aims to translate growing awareness of maternal mental health into measurable systems change and expanded access to appropriate care by 2030, according to a news release from the center. Participating organizations span maternal health, mental health, policy, advocacy, philanthropy and community sectors.
The accelerator’s priorities include training providers and addressing care deserts, expanding postpartum care to 12 months after giving birth, advancing paid leave and providing no- to low-cost care.
Dedicated workstreams will also focus on sharing patients’ stories and advancing state and federal policy and research.
Maternal mental healthcare has been in the spotlight following the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse. Ms. Clancy pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children, and the trial ended in a mistrial Sept. 4, according to NPR.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
