Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) Launched to Make Maternal Mental Health a National Priority

WASHINGTON - March 22, 2019 - PRLog -- An experienced group of dedicated advocates today announced the creation of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 non-profit organization promoting the mental health of childbearing women in the United States.

The goal of the MMHLA is universal education, screening, referral, and treatment of postpartum depression and related maternal mental health (MMH) disorders for all childbearing women.  MMHLA is the only U.S. organization that focuses on policy and advocacy for the mental wellbeing of childbearing women.

Maternal mental health (MMH) disorders are a range of illnesses, including anxiety and depression, that affect up to 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and first year postpartum.  These illnesses are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth but are often undiagnosed and untreated, potentially affecting a woman's sense of wellbeing and her ability to parent, as well as negatively impacting her child's development.

The MMHLA's mission is to advocate for universal education, screening, referral, and treatment of MMH disorders for all childbearing women in the United States. The MMHLA will advance this mission by:

• Raising awareness about mental health issues women may face while pregnant and after birth,
• Identifying and sharing data, best practices, and guidelines for screening and treatment,
• Collaborating with government agencies, providers, medical associations, and advocates to develop legislative priorities, and
• Helping to ensure a standardized, accessible system of care for affected women.

"Maternal mental health is a serious public health issue that is inconsistently addressed.  These issues are under-screened, under-recognized and under-treated," said Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, MMHLA Executive Director.  "Women and families deserve better.  The MMHLA is committed to advancing a culture and policy environment where maternal mental health is recognized and screened for, so women and their children can get the continuum of treatment and care they need to thrive."

Belsito was instrumental in ensuring the passage of the first federal program -- entitled Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act -- enacted by Congress in 2016 to provide funding for screening and treatment of MMH disorders.  In addition to Belsito, MMHLA leadership includes experts in maternal-child health, advocacy, and fundraising who have proven track records of successful educational and policy advancements.

Raising awareness.  Building consensus.  Sharing best practices.