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accessHealthNews.net
October 2024
Volume 11 | Issue No. 89
Imagine the overwhelming joy of bringing
a new life into the world, only to be met by
a crushing wave of darkness. For countless
mothers, the postpartum period is a time
of profound emotional turmoil, marked by
anxiety, depression, and even thoughts
of self-harm. As highlighted during a
recent presentation on the "Maternal
Health Access Project," Kimberly Brandt,
DO, and Elena Horvit, MPH, underscore
how maternal mental health is a pressing
public health concern that often goes
overlooked or undertreated.
One of the critical challenges in
addressing maternal mental health is the
shortage of trained providers, especially
in rural and underserved areas. While the
Missouri Maternal Health Access Project
(MHAP) does not directly aim to expand
the maternal mental health workforce,
it focuses on capacity building by
empowering existing providers -- such as
family doctors, OB-GYNs, and home care
professionals -- to recognize and treat
mental health conditions. "Many OB-GYNs
aren't trained in mental health services
or the use of screening tools. They need
education on how to interpret screening
results and what steps to take next,"
said Nicole Wood, MSW, LCSW, MHAP's
senior program manager. MHAP is also
leveraging telehealth services to bridge
gaps in care, particularly in maternity care
deserts, ensuring that women in rural areas
have better access to essential mental
health services.
Launched in April 2024, MHAP has made
significant strides in expanding access
to mental health care for pregnant and
postpartum women in Missouri. With more
than 300 providers registered across 50
counties, MHAP is addressing the shortage
of perinatal mental health providers and
improving early diagnosis and treatment
of conditions like perinatal mood and
anxiety disorders (PMADs). A key element
of MHAP's progress has been its telehealth
services, which have been essential for
reaching underserved and rural areas.
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Doulas and CHWs, in particular, play a vital role in providing
culturally competent care and offering emotional support, making
them invaluable in recognizing early signs of mental health
struggles.
