Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 15 – 20% of pregnant women and new moms within the first year. Yet, 50% of all mothers who experience these disorders are never identified. Mothers suffering from PMADs experience symptoms ranging from extreme sadness and anxiety to psychosis, which have the potential to interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself and her family. In recognition of the wide scale impact of PMADs on Maryland families, the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) has engaged in two largescale progressive efforts to address this issue. MHAMD staffs the Maternal Mental Health Taskforce and directs the Healthy New Moms Campaign.
Maternal Mental Health Taskforce
The Maternal Mental Health Taskforce was created in June 2015 by Senate Bill 74 to address unmet maternal mental health needs in the state. The Taskforce consists of experts in the field, survivors of PMADs, and Maryland legislators. Members will identify risk factors and vulnerable populations, evidence based screening tools, and treatment strategies. Research will include a review of successful initiatives and programs from other states and various private and public funding models. Findings and recommendations will be presented to the Governor and the General Assembly in December 2016. Join us for the second Maternal Mental Health Taskforce meeting November 30 and share your comments on this important issue.
What: Maternal Mental Health Taskforce meeting with opportunity for public comment
When: November 30th, 2015; 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Spring Grove Hospital Center
55 Wade Avenue
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
Building: Dix Building, Basement
If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to provide comment or questions please contact:
Dan Martin, Esq. Director of Public Policy at Mental Health Association of Maryland
(W) 443-901-1550 x208 DMartin@mhamd.org
Healthy New Moms Campaign
The Healthy New Moms Campaign will host an official kick-off on October 29, 2015 with a screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon. Healthy New Moms aims to raise awareness of PMADs and offer support and resources to moms, families, and providers across the state. MHAMD conducted three focus groups last winter to help shape updated material, the Campaign website, and outreach methods. To date, Healthy New Moms has created a screening tool, resources, medication charts, and resource lists. MHAMD is in the process of reviewing various PMADs provider trainings used across the country to develop or adapt a system for Maryland.
What: The Healthy New Moms Campaign kick-off
When: October 29th, 2015; 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: CCBC Dundalk
7200 Sollers Point Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21222
Building: Roy N. Staten Building Room 102
RSVP: Note, RSVP is requested but not required
If you have any questions or comments please contact
Kari Gorkos, Director of Youth and Family Programs at MHAMD
(W) 443-901-1550 x215 kgorkos@mhamd.org
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking of suicide, get help quickly:24 hour hotline in Maryland – 1-800-422-0009 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) | TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) Call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room |
If you are in need of non-emergency services please visit443-901-1550 | www.healthynewmoms.org |