🦋Addressing Arizona's Perinatal Mental Health Crisis
Responding to the 44% spike in maternal death
💐Spring is here symbolizing the promise of renewal and hope for a better future! As we share newly released Arizona data, it reminds us just how important our work truly is to build a better future and reinforces how important YOU are. We can’t do it without YOU!
Let's leap into what's new and noteworthy!
📈New AZDHS report shows dramatic spike in pregnancy-related deaths
A report released by the Arizona Department of Health Services in February shows a 44% increase in pregnancy-related deaths, 90% of which were deemed preventable (the report focused on 2018 -2019 data). A few additional insights include:
The most common underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths was mental health conditions (32.6%)
Two ethnic groups, Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native, experienced pregnancy-related deaths at nearly 3x their birth rate.
72% of pregnancy-associated deaths listed AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid agency) as their primary insurance type.
These troubling statistics reinforce the important work we’re doing here at PSI Arizona. Keep reading to witness the impact we’re making, however' we can’t do it alone. We need YOUR help to transform Arizona’s Perinatal Mental Health workforce desert into a thriving oasis of equitable, accessible and informed care.
💥Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges: Maternal Mental Health Equity in AZ
While we've achieved a 46% increase in Arizona Maternal Mental Health Providers of Color since co-hosting the first-ever BIPOC-only training in 2023 with Arizona Birthworkers of Color, we certainly have not yet realized a culturally congruent workforce.
So, we're keeping the momentum going, breaking barriers and building bridges with:
🌵Second-ever BIPOC only Perinatal Mental Health cohosted with Arizona Birthworkers of Color | Phoenix
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care Training | APR 24 & 25
Advanced Psychotherapy Training | APR 26
✨The Inaugural BIPOC Maternal Mental Health Networking Mixer
Wed APR 25, 5 - 6p | Phx
You won’t want to miss this networking mixer that will cultivate deeper community relationships and spark conversations that morph into innovative solutions, advancing maternal health equity in Arizona.
Scholarships Abound!🎓
To date in 2024, we have awarded 124 of our 400+ scholarships for certification training or PMH-C exams. Who is eligible? All who work with the perinatal population or their children (birth - 5) are eligible, however, we continue to prioritize scholarships for:
Providers who serve less-populous areas (non-Maricopa, non-Pima counties)
Providers of color
Providers who accept AHCCCS
Next scholarship application deadline is Mar 30 @ midnight AZ time.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
We know that travel expenses can be a major barrier and it is important to us that folx from across the state (not just Phoenix) are able to attend.
Travel Expense Application deadline is Mar 30 @ midnight AZ time.
🌺 Community Partnerships: PSI-AZ & ASU School of Social Work
We’re launching a 3-part Perinatal Mental Health series (CEUs available) in partnership with the ASU School of Social Work this April. We’re proud to offer the following sessions with the support of AZ PMH-Cs and those with lived experience:
April 11 | Breaking Down the Stigma and Shame of Perinatal Mental Health, Presenters: Danielle Lerner & Lorain Moorehead, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
April 18 | Navigating Perinatal Grief, Loss and Infertility, Presenters: Lori Janik, LCSW, PMH-C, CCTSI and Rebecca Horn, MSW, PMH-C, LCSW
April 25 | Perinatal Mental Health within a Culturally Attuned Framework, Presenter: Lorain Moorehead, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Details to be released soon! Questions? eathens@asu.edu
💙 Your Support Makes a Difference: AZ Gives Day
AZ Gives Day is APRIL 2nd. We need YOUR support breaking barriers and building bridges - like the amazing ones you’ve read about in this and every newsletter edition.
Do you believe in the positive change we're fostering in perinatal mental health care across Arizona? If so please give today - no donation is too small.
We can’t do it without YOUR support!
🗓 Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars!
Equity and Access Group Lunch
MAR. 28, 2024 | 12 - 1p
📣 Calling all Perinatal (pregnancy, birth and postpartum) Providers of Color and their Allies! Join us in highlighting World Doula Week with speakers from Cherry Blossom Doula and Postpartum Services.
Mental Health Advocacy Day The Capitol
MAR. 18, 2024 | 8a - 2p
💥Are you fed up with the hoops families have to jump through to get informed care for their postpartum mood disorders? Join PSI-AZ and other organizations for Mental Health Advocacy Day 2024! Raise awareness, promote education, and foster policy changes to support mental health and well-being in Arizona. Let’s get loud and bring our legislators' attention to Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) barriers to care and actionable steps they can take! Sign Up Here.
🥇🥈🥉Congrats Winners: 4th Trimester AZ Contest!
Thank you for the amazing engagement and for sharing so many tips about staying mentally well during the 4th trimester! Join us in congratulating our WINNERS: Andrea Leonardi, Taneesha Watson, Chelsea Brooke!!
Tap the button to see tips and see the full contest recap on Instagram:
🗣️Do You Have a Perinatal Mental Health Job to Fill?
Share your organization’s PMH job posting which gets over 1,500 views. Jobs will be included in our monthly eNews: 1 month for $30. Contact: psi.arizona1@gmail.com
With Gratitude,
Elizabeth Wood, Arizona Chapter Chair
Postpartum Support International