By the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health Policy Team
In 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).
This year 12 awards were provided, totalling nearly 9 million dollars.
According to Secretary Becerra, “Health equity and access to care are top priorities for my office and are foundational to addressing maternal health disparities in our country.” This collaborative effort seeks to understand the challenges faced by postpartum individuals and develop innovative solutions to enhance postpartum care. Six states—namely Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Mexico—have committed to participating in this transformative initiative.
2023 Awards were provided to the following entities:
The first, and previous HRSA grant cycle awarded 7 states funding to create Ob/Gyn and Midwife tele mental health consultation programs. The Policy Center is tracking how these states will continue their work as their funding expires.
Learn more about these awards on HRSA’s Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders program page.
Is It Time for a National Maternal Mental Health Consultation Program?
Of note, so that all obstetric providers in all states have ready access to mental health consultation, we are advocating for a national maternal mental health consultation line and Technical Assistance Center. We are also advocating for funding to states through the MCH Block Grant, which will allow states to promote the use of the consult line and track calls being made to the line by providers in their state.
