Closing Gaps in Maternal Mental Healthcare
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health is a national think tank, nonprofit organization advancing policies that support a health care system that routinely detects and treats maternal mental health disorders for every mother, every time.
This week the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) expanded its recommendation to screen adults (including those who are pregnant) for anxiety in addition to depression. Additionally the USPSTF is not recommending universal suicide risk screening at this time.
Read MoreIn April 2023, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) released its Draft Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2026 and requested public comments. The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (the “Policy Center”) submitted the following letter in response to each priority area, with a particular focus on integrating behavioral and physical healthcare and strengthening the behavioral health workforce.
Read MoreThe Black Mamas Matter Alliance held a virtual rally to launch "Black Mamas Matter: In Policy and Practice,” Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s (BMMA) new policy agenda last week. This policy agenda articulates BMMA’s organizational stance and specific policy recommendations on a range of Black Maternal Health policy issues, including:
Structural and Social Determinants of Black Maternal Health
Full Spectrum Maternal, Sexual, and Reproductive Healthcare
In April, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) invited public comment on their National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification. The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (the “Policy Center”) submitted the following comments, highlighting the need to address state peer training, certification, and reimbursement for peers providing mental health services, as many states have only focused on peers providing support for substance use.
Read MoreOn April 7th, 2023, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health submitted the following letter in support of SB 667, California’s proposed legislation to improve access to healthcare for women and pregnant people across the state by removing barriers and ensuring Certified Nurse-Midwives can practice to the full extent of their scope and training. We believe all states should allow Certified Nurse-Midwives to practice to the full extent of their licenses without restrictions.
Read MoreIn February 2023, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) requested information from stakeholders on the drivers and potential solutions to healthcare workforce shortages. The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (formerly 2020 Mom) submitted the following letter outlining our recommendations to increase the capacity and diversity of the healthcare workforce.
Read MoreRep. Stewart shared, "I couldn't be prouder to co-chair this bipartisan caucus and elevate the conversation around mental health…suicide is a top ten cause of death nationwide, as well as in my home state. We are wholeheartedly committed to finding real-world, bipartisan solutions to help all Americans struggling with mental health challenges, and we will work tirelessly to uphold that commitment."
Read MoreIn honor of Black History Month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted a briefing on maternal health priorities and activities on Friday, 17th, 2023. Secretary Xavier Becerra and other key agency leaders shared new funding authorized by the passage of the federal budget bill (the Omnibus) and other Department activities to advance maternal health outcomes, including addressing inequities.
Read MoreCertified Peer support is growing in interest as a means for building the mental health workforce. Peers have had similar mental health experiences and can help combat stigma, and support those who are suffering from mental health challenges in very meaningful ways.
Read MoreBelow is a summary from the Center for Connected Health Policy on the federal laws and regulations in place regarding telehealth, post the COVID Public Health Emergency.
What stays permanently:
Medicare reimbursement for eligible telehealth services when the patient is located in a geographically rural area AND in an eligible originating site (i.e. in most cases not the home).
In the mid 2010s, 2020 Mom spearheaded the passage of the largest maternal mental health state policy package to date in California. Since that time, 2020 Mom has also been tracking state legislation across the U.S.
Read MoreThe 117th Congress successfully passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 on December 23, 2022 and is now headed to President Biden’s desk for signature.
Read MoreThe federal bill that 2020 Mom has championed, was passed by Congress and calls for the development of a national strategic plan to address maternal mental health.
Read MoreTake two minutes and two clicks to tell Congress to pass legislation to improve access to contraception care, particularly now, post the overturn of Roe v Wade.
Read MoreIn early December, our policy team worked with a coalition of non-profit partners and submitted the following letter to Congressional appropriations leaders, urging them to prioritize contraception care and safe motherhood. This is a priority for 2020 Mom and our coalition partners given the state of reduced availability of abortions in the United States and the link between unintended pregnancies and higher rates of poor mental health outcomes.
Read More2020 Mom submitted the following letter on behalf of 50+ organizations, to House and Senate Majority and Minority leaders on December 5, 2022. The letter urges Congressional Leadership to include the bipartisan House-passed maternal mental health legislation in the end-of-year Omnibus.
Read MoreIn September 2022, the Department of Labor hosted a roundtable discussion on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The MHPAEA “was enacted in 2008 and requires insurance coverage for mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, to be no more restrictive than insurance coverage for other medical conditions.” 2020 Mom attended this discussion and submitted the following letter outlining the barriers to care and considerations for mental health parity.
Read More2022 was an important year for both federal mental health and maternal health policy. 2020 Mom led and supported critical pieces of legislation, engaged with key federal agencies, including the White House and CDC, and continued to serve as a top subject matter expert in not only maternal mental health policy, but also mental health parity and peer support.
Read MoreIn September 2022, The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) invited public comment on the draft recommendations for screening for suicide risk, and anxiety in adults. 2020 Mom submitted the following letter co-signed by 10 other organizations. It commends the USPSTF for its recommendation to screen adults, including the perinatal population, for anxiety, and suggested those who disclose suicidal ideation on a depression screener, be screened for suicide risk. Read more below.
Read MoreCMS finalizes “Birthing-Friendly” hospital designations, available in Fall 2023.
“Birthing-Friendly” Hospital Designationsare defined as “a publicly-reported, public-facing hospital designation on the quality and safety of maternity care.”
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