Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month!

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 04/29/2024 08:00 AM PDT

April 29, 2024

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Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed May 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Washington State. This proclamation highlights the critical importance of maternal mental health and the need for increased awareness, education, and support for parents before, during, and after pregnancy.

The proclamation recognizes that over 83,000 babies are born in Washington State each year and emphasizes the prevalence of perinatal depression and related mood disorders, affecting approximately 20% of new and expectant parents. It also acknowledges the challenges faced by parents in seeking help due to lack of information, screening tools, and awareness of available services.

During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, HCA aims to:

raise awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders,
educate residents about the importance of maternal mental health, and
promote access to treatment and supportive services.

We encourage all providers to participate in this special observance and help spread the word about maternal mental health.

Pregnancy Services

Pregnancy Care resources

Postpartum and Newborn resources

Subscribe to get the Prenatal - 5 Grow and Thrive e-newsletter each month.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.