Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance hosts distinguished panel of speakers as part of Maternal

WASHINGTON - April 30, 2019 - PRLog -- On Friday May 3, 2019, 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, will host a panel discussion to kickoff Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month on Capitol Hill.

The panel will feature policy and subject matter leaders who are committed to maternal health matters and the need for sustainable solutions to support mothers and babies. Mental health issues are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting approximately 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or the first year after being pregnant. MMHLA is dedicated to promoting the mental health of childbearing women in the United States by advocating for universal education, screening, referral and treatment of postpartum depression and related maternal mental health challenges.

MMHLA Executive Director Jamie Zahlaway Belsito will lead the panel which includes:

• Valerie Plame Wilson, a former CIA officer and board member of Postpartum Support Virginia
• Lisa Tremayne, President, Co-Founder and Board Chair of the Bloom Foundation for Maternal Wellness
• Dr. Tiffany Farchione, Acting Deputy Director of the Division of Psychiatry Products at the Food and Drug Administration

"I'm honored to speak about the mission of MMHLA in the company of truly amazing individuals who are committed outspoken advocates for maternal health." Jamie Zahlaway Belsito expressed. "Anxiety and depression are the leading complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality. We must continue addressing these issues around maternal mental wellness. We need sustainable solutions to expand services. We are failing society when we don't take care of mothers and babies."

MMHLA is committed to raising awareness about maternal mental health disorders to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for mothers and babies."  To learn more about MMHLA visit http://www.mmhla.org.

Raising awareness.  Building consensus. Sharing best practices.