NC can you back us up right now for maternal mental health?

We’re at the NC Legislature TODAY for maternal mental health. Back us up!

Across the U.S., up to 1 in 5 women suffer from maternal mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD and research shows that number more than doubled during the pandemic. These conditions are common, treatable, and real health concerns, but stigma, lack of information, and missing support systems mean too many moms suffer in silence.

In North Carolina more than 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths were from mental health conditions. And still, 1 in 5 women report NOT being screened for maternal depression, even though universal screening is recommended.

These are not private struggles, they are public health emergencies.

This morning, we’ll be at the NC legislature to tell lawmakers that maternal mental health can’t wait. Can you back us up?

Dear lawmaker,

As your constituent, and one of more than 40,000 members across North Carolina, I’m writing to you today to urge you to take meaningful action to address the maternal mental health crisis in North Carolina. Right now, maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in our state.

From 2018–2019, mental health conditions accounted for 24 out of 76 pregnancy-related deaths. Across the country, 1 in 5 women experience maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression or anxiety and that number more than doubled during the pandemic. Yet here in North Carolina, 1 in 5 women report not being screened for maternal depression, despite universal screening being recommended. These are not just statistics, they represent mothers, families, and futures lost due to conditions that are both common and treatable.

That’s why I’m urging you to support and advance policies that directly strengthen maternal mental health care and support for North Carolina families, including:

→ Investing in the maternal mental health workforce by funding training, certification, and recruitment of perinatal mental health specialists statewide.
→ Implementing universal screening for maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum care.
→ Supporting paid family and medical leave so that mothers can recover from childbirth and access mental health care without risking their income or job security.
→ Ensuring access to Medicaid and mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals across the state.
→ Expanding Medicaid to cover doulas to help reduce maternal stress, improve outcomes, and support mental health for more families.

Every mother deserves the care and support necessary to thrive before, during, and after childbirth. When we support maternal mental health, we strengthen entire families and communities. I hope I can count on you to prioritize the health and well-being of North Carolina moms and families.

Sincerely,

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