It’s time to invest in Black Maternal Mental Health! 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. [1] 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. [2] 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. [3]

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. [4] The Moms Matter Act would improve the maternal mental health landscape for all, while focusing on those who are disproportionately impacted. 

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. [5] Black women, regardless of education and income level, are most at risk of dying due to pregnancy-related complications. [6] 

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. 

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 share your postpartum experience with us?

References:
[1] Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
[2] Black Maternal Mental Health: The Data, the Barriers, and Organizations to Support
[3] Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP 
[4] Maternal mental health conditions drive climbing death rate in US, research says
[5] Insights into the US Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison
[6] Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States

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