The HHS recently announced the launch of an awareness campaign for the maternal mental health hotline for 24/7 support and resources to women experiencing mental health challenges.
What happened
On November 14, 2024, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), launched a nationwide public awareness campaign to promote the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-TLC-MAMA. Since it was introduced on Mother’s Day 2022, the confidential 24/7 hotline has provided mental health support for pregnant women, new mothers, and their families, addressing maternal mental health challenges that contribute to preventable pregnancy-related deaths.
The campaign is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's effort to improve maternal mental health and reduce health disparities. Organizations like Albertsons Companies, CVS Health, Walgreens, Babylist, the National Diaper Bank Network, and the Children’s Hospital Administration became the first Maternal Mental Health Champions.
What was said
According to HHS Secretary Becerra, “Becoming a parent is an incredible and life-changing event, but it comes with its challenges too. As a parent, husband to an OB-GYN, and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, I know we can and must do more to support maternal mental health. In just two years, we’ve seen how the Maternal Mental Health Hotline has been a positive and productive resource for thousands of new parents. Today we’re building on those efforts through a targeted campaign to reach even more moms and let them know there is help and support during even the hardest of times.”
The bigger picture
The maternal health hotline provides an immediate lifeline for women facing mental health challenges both during and after pregnancy. Perinatal depression, which includes both prenatal and postnatal experiences, affects one in seven women, and its symptoms vary widely from sleep disturbances to impaired functioning. Without timely intervention from sources like the hotline, these challenges can escalate, leading to long-term emotional challenges.
Related: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
FAQs
What is Roe v Wade?
Roe v Wade was a landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The decision balanced the right against the government's interest in protecting women's health and potential life, setting up a framework based on pregnancy trimesters.
How does federal law impact state legislation in the US?
Federal law overrides state laws when there is conflict, thanks to the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution. States do have the freedom to create laws in areas not explicitly controlled by federal law.
What is considered protected health information in the context of maternal medical information?
PHi includes any identifiable information about a person's health, healthcare services, or payment for care.
Kirsten Peremore
