The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has launched the National Maternal Mental Health Accelerator in collaboration with more than 100 national, state, and local organizations to increase care access.
With more than 35% of US counties considered maternity care deserts, the Accelerator brings together groups spanning maternal health, mental health, policy, advocacy, philanthropy, and community to address gaps in care.
Targeting meaningful improvements by 2030, the initiative will focus on patient advocacy, research, policy changes, and provider education. Its goals include addressing care deserts, establishing standardized postpartum care for 12 months, expanding paid leave, and increasing access to low-cost care nationwide.
“While awareness of maternal mental health has skyrocketed, our care system remains fundamentally broken,” said Joy Burkhard, CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. “From healthcare and mental health provider access and knowledge gaps, cost concerns, and the lack of paid leave, mothers are falling through massive structural cracks.”
