Organization recognizes Black Maternal Mental Health Week
ARLINGTON, VA., July 25, 2024 – As the leading organization fighting to improve health outcomes for moms and babies, March of Dimes announces a new partnership with Mammha, a digital behavioral health solution aimed to help improve maternal health outcomes for families. July 19 – 25 is Black Maternal Mental Health Week and March of Dimes is raising awareness about maternal mental health conditions this week and all year-round to help bring resources, education, and solutions to families.
Maternal mental health conditions are one of the most common complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period, impacting 800,000 families each year in the US. Nearly 75% of maternal mental health conditions go untreated and could lead to long-term negative health impacts that extend beyond mom and baby, but the entire family and society
Since 2001, the March of Dimes NICU Family Support® program has partnered with hospitals across the country to provide education and support to families whose babies are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to preterm birth, birth defects, or other diagnosis. Preterm birth also puts moms at higher risk for postpartum depression, which impacts up to 1 in 7 women, with 40% of Black women experiencing maternal mental health symptoms, nearly twice the rate of all women. Having a baby in the NICU can be stressful and overwhelming for families, which is why March of Dimes has partnered with Mammha, at select NICU Family Support sites so that NICU families can more easily access mental health screenings and support.
“Too many moms are experiencing mental health conditions. It’s particularly concerning that individuals who face racial or economic inequities are more likely to experience these conditions, yet less likely to receive the necessary help,” said Kelly Ernst, SVP and Chief Impact Officer at March of Dimes. “As the leading convener for maternal and infant health, March of Dimes is dedicated to finding solutions, like Mammha, that will make big impacts for moms who need it most.”
March of Dimes plans to expand the availability of Mammha to additional NICU Family Support sites across the country in the future and partner to offer support groups to families currently in the NICU and who have transitioned home.
“Mammha is extremely proud and humbled to partner with such a maternal and child health pioneer and leader,” said Maureen Fura, CEO and Founder of Mammha. “We are excited to expand the work we are already doing with March of Dimes to support even more mothers and fathers across the country.”
“After my daughter was born, I experienced severe postpartum depression. I wish that I had access to resources like this then,” said Angelina Spicer, March of Dimes Celebrity Advocate Council Member, mom, and founder of Spicey Moms. “I’m proud to work with March of Dimes to help ensure that all moms have the support they need during and after pregnancy so that they and their babies can get the best possible start.”
March of Dimes encourages individuals who have signs or symptoms of mental health conditions before, during, or after pregnancy to talk to their provider about treatment. To learn more about Mammha, visit marchofdimes.org/mammha
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We provide research, education, advocacy, and programs to give every family the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information.
About Mammha
Mammha is a mental health solution for all parents and providers. Created by physicians and moms to be the go-to solution for providers, health systems, hospitals, and NICUs to screen, refer, support, and educate pregnant and postpartum women who may be experiencing maternal mental health complications like depression and anxiety. Visit mammha.com to learn more.