It’s time to invest in Black Maternal Mental Health!
[ [link removed] ]Take Action Now
[ [link removed] ]TAKE ACTION
Dear Friend,
"The postpartum period with my firstborn was the darkest period of my
life… Depression sank over me, convinced me I’d ruined my life and the
life of a new human." - Cassie
Founded by our partners at Shades of Blue, this week marks the 3rd Black
Maternal Mental Health Week. Maternal mental health disorders like
postpartum depression are dangerously common among all pregnancies in the
United States, with up to 1 in 5 women experiencing a maternal mental
health disorder. [ [link removed] ] Shockingly, Black women are twice as likely as all
other women to experience maternal mental health symptoms but only half as
likely to receive treatment. [ [link removed] ] Historical inequities, stigma, financial
barriers, justified fears of the involvement of the child welfare systems,
and insufficient culturally competent care are some of the reasons. [ [link removed] ]
[1]There is legislation pending in Congress, the Moms Matter Act, that
would effectively address the maternal mental health crisis for all and we
must urge our leaders to support it!
The Moms Matter Act, which is part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus,
will:
1. Establish a Maternal Mental Health Equity Grant Program to invest in
local initiatives supporting people with mental health conditions
during or after pregnancy.
2. Provide funding for programs to grow and diversify the maternal mental
and behavioral health care workforce to expand access to high-quality
maternal mental health care and substance use disorder services.
Maternal mental health in the United States is in crisis. Sadly, the rates
of maternal death related to mental health disorders have been climbing
year after year. [ [link removed] ] The Moms Matter Act would improve the maternal mental
health landscape for all, while focusing on those who are
disproportionately impacted.
[2]This Black Maternal Mental Health Week, we must urge Congress to ensure
that the most affected and least treated moms have access to the mental
health resources they need.
The United States is the most dangerous place to give birth among
industrialized nations. [ [link removed] ] Black women, regardless of education and
income level, are most at risk of dying due to pregnancy-related
complications. [ [link removed] ]
This is why we need your support to pass the most comprehensive
legislative effort yet to address the Black maternal health crisis in
America. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus is a package of bills that
includes significant investments in community-based programs that are
working to address equity issues in maternal health, provide funding for
tech to address racism and biases in screening and treatment, and expand
mental health treatments and supports. This holistic package will go far
to change our country’s position as the most dangerous place to give birth
among industrialized nations.
[3]Add your name now to help bring forward this much needed change, and be
sure to share the link below with your friends and family so they can also
take action.
Together we can, and must, do better for moms, babies, families and our
communities.
--Gina, Monifa, Tina and the entire MomsRising & MamásConPoder team
P.S. Did you recently give birth? Please [4]share your postpartum
experience with us?
References:
[1] [5]Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
[2] [6]Black Maternal Mental Health: The Data, the Barriers, and
Organizations to Support
[3] [ [link removed] ]Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP[ [link removed] ]
[4] [ [link removed] ]Maternal mental health conditions drive climbing death rate in US,
research says
[5] [ [link removed] ]Insights into the US Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison
[6] [ [link removed] ]Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams: Addressing
Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States
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