Maternal Mental Health Declaration Press Conference

State and Community Leaders Come Together to Announce Governor Cox's Declaration of May as Maternal Mental Health Month   

Salt Lake City, UT (May 18, 2022, 12 p.m.) – State and community leaders will gather on May 18th at 12:00 p.m. at the Utah State Capitol Presentation Room to announce Governor Cox’s Declaration of May 2022 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and to discuss significant statewide maternal mental health efforts including recent legislation and state data. A portion of the declaration reads:

"Whereas, almost half (44.8%) of Utah mothers report mental health symptoms before, during, or after pregnancy, and one in seven mothers (14.7%) must contend with depression in the months after giving birth; Whereas, maternal depression and anxiety affects parent-child bonding, increases family conflict, lowers rates of breast feeding, and can lead to less-safe home environments for children; Now, therefore, I, Spencer James Cox, Governor of the great State of Utah, do hereby declare May 2022, as Utah Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month."

State leaders will be joined by a coalition of partners, including survivor moms, families, and maternal mental health providers who will share their experiences and highlight the importance of investing in maternal mental health policies and support.   The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reports that women of color in Utah disproportionately experience postpartum depressive symptoms. According to 2018-2020 data from the Utah Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 45% of Utah residents with a recent live birth were affected by depression or anxiety before, during, and/or after pregnancy.  Statewide maternal mental health efforts have resulted in greater awareness for Utah families, including the development of a Utah-specific referral and resource network: https://maternalmentalhealth.utah.gov/.  The referral site and awareness campaign have helped thousands of mothers connect with care. “This page makes me feel SEEN and VALIDATED. I hope this page reaches as many other struggling mothers and makes them feel heard,” said one Utah mother.  Earlier this month, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department launched a national free Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Moms experiencing maternal depression, anxiety or other mental health problems may call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS where they will be connected with a culturally and trauma-informed counselor. The line is available in English and Spanish.  The coalition of Utah partners includes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Early Childhood Alliance, Intermountain Healthcare, Postpartum Support International – Utah Chapter, Utah Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Maternal and Child Health and Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Utah Health Policy Project, United Way: Help Me Grow Utah, Voices for Utah Children, YWCA Utah, among many others.   The press conference is a hybrid event.   In person:    Utah State Capitol   Presentation Room, Level 1 (Map)   350 S. State St.   Salt Lake City, Utah 84103      Via Zoom:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84047975188  Members of the press are welcome to join.   Hotlines and Resources Utah Maternal Mental Health Referral and Resource Network:  https://maternalmentalhealth.utah.gov/ National HHS Maternal Mental Health Hotline Call or Text: 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)  Available in English, Spanish, & TTY via a preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-833-943-5746.  ##   Contact: Priscilla Rountree  Director of Marketing & Communications  YWCA Utah  P 801.830.0310 | prountree@ywcautah.org