Testimony
Maternal Health: Information for Patients and Families
March of Dimes
March of Dimes chapter staff and volunteers invest time and resources in local programs and activities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, playing a vital role in improving maternal and child health in their communities. As respected leaders in the field of maternal and child health, the March of Dimes is uniquely positioned to partner with local and state public and private health care systems and organizations to enhance and expand the services available to women and their families.
March for Moms Association
March for Moms Association is a multi-stakeholder coalition sharing like-minded urgency to improve the wellbeing of mothers in the US. They have convened national stakeholders together to speak with a common voice, urging policymakers and other American leaders to help ensure mothers get the support and care they deserve.
Merck For Mothers: How Mobile Tech is Mobilizing Maternal Heath
Merck’s 10-year, $500 million initiative is focused on improving the health and well-being of mothers before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Merck for Mothers builds on their commitment to global health by implementing programs, partnerships and solutions so no woman dies giving life. More information on their program can be found on their site, including a special report on How Mobile Tech is Mobilizing Maternal Health.
MGH Center for Women’s Health
The Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital provides state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment of psychiatric disorders associated with female reproductive function including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), pregnancy-associated mood disturbance, postpartum psychiatric illness, and peri- and post- menopausal depression. The Center identifies a shorter three-question screening tool – supported by a 2008 study.
Postpartum Depression Commission
In 2010, Massachusetts passed a law entitled, “An Act Relative to Postpartum Depression” (Chapter 313 of the Acts of 2010), which established a special legislative commission with different stakeholders in order to study and report on research and policy initiatives on postpartum depression (PPD) and make recommendations to address postpartum depression. The Commission has published reports on its activities and has various resources available.
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
The purpose of Postpartum Support International is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10% will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family. PSI has members throughout the world, including professional caregivers, public health professionals and researchers, students, parents, and community supporters. The site contains comprehensive information on the topic and screening recommendations.
UnitedHealthcare Maternity Care Bundle
UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group, has introduced a new bundled payment program for maternity care to help support the well-being of moms and babies before and after delivery by closing gaps in care and encouraging healthy, full-term pregnancies. The new bundled payment program for maternity care has launched with two health care providers to help encourage more coordinated care and better health outcomes for expectant mothers enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored health plans.
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