As part of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Maternal Health Day of Action, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on Sept. 27 announced $103 million in funding and several new initiatives to support and expand access to obstetric care.
HHS invested almost $90 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration and $13 million through the HHS Office of Minority Health to expand access to maternal health care; grow and support the maternal health workforce; and expand screening and treatment for maternal depression and other mental health and substance use disorders.
The agency also formed the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, which will identify, evaluate, and make recommendations to coordinate and improve federal activities related to ensuring mental health equity and promoting trauma-informed practices.
The Office on Women’s Health also launched a national campaign to educate women about postpartum depression (PPD) and encourage them to seek help. Talking Postpartum Depression features personal stories of women from diverse backgrounds who have experienced and sought support for PPD.
Contact Director of Policy Rob Nelb, MPH, at rnelb@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
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