Happy June! There certainly is a lot to celebrate this month: 🏳️🌈 PRIDE, ✴️ Juneteenth, 🗓️ International Father’s Mental Health Day AND 🎁 Father’s Day!
Let’s jump into what’s new and noteworthy….
🏜️Arizona Struggles to meet Maternal Mental Healthcare Needs
Last month the 2024 Maternal Mental Health State report cards were released. Overall 2024 national grades improved slightly from a D to a D+ as 33 state grades improved; three states earned Bs and five states earned failing grades. Arizona received a “C” for the second year in a row. Efforts are underway to improve our grade such as:
The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Perinatal Mental Health Bundle across AZ in 2025.
Leading the nation in growing Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) specialists via scholarships.
AHCCCS (Medicaid) Targeted Investment 2.0 program incentivizes employing PMH-Cs and implementing Perinatal Mental Health screening - even at pediatrician appointments.
Establishing the first freestanding mother-baby inpatient care facility in Arizona through Project Willow Rebloom.
Sadly, we are ⚠️ at risk ⚠️ of losing our Arizona Perinatal Psychiatric Access Line due to lack of funding. It would be a tragedy to drop this crucial clinician-support service, just as usage is surging. (And of course drop our state report card grade too.)
💝Make a meaningful impact!
What’s your number? Between now and Father’s Day, select the symbolic donation that resonates with your lived experience and how you might pay it forward:
$6 for the 1 in 6 who experience infertility challenges.
$5 for the 1 in 5 moms / birthing people who experience maternal postpartum depression
$10 for the 1 in 10 dad / partners who experience paternal postpartum depression
or a fully inclusive $21 supporting all reproductive mental health challenges.
Join the movement and help make a profound difference today!
🎁Happy International Fathers’ Mental Health Day
June 17 is International Fathers' Mental Health Day! Join us in raising awareness because perinatal mental health disorders affect people of all genders! Click here explore PSI's list of mental health resources for fathers / partners.
Check out some of our favorite AZ-based dad-focused resources Dou-Bro’z, Native American Fatherhood & Families Association, Phoenix Dad’s Group . We invite you to share your favorites in the comments (at the bottom of the newsletter) ⬇️
🎉Second Anniversary of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Two years?!? In what seems like the blink of an eye, counselors have helped more than 33,000 parents and their families before, during, and after pregnancy by providing emotional support, encouragement, and resources. The hotline offers 24/7 support in English, Spanish, & 60+ languages through translation. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA [1-833-852-6262].
Is this part of your referral resource network? If not, bookmark it now! You can also order free magnets, cards and posters!
🏆 Another Record Month: Thirteen New AZ PMH-Cs
Please help us welcome our newest Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)! We’ve achieved 32% workforce capacity as a state and we’re committed to transforming our Perinatal Mental Health workforce desert into a thriving oasis of informed, equitable and accessible providers!
Tucson (4): Kaila Moles, MA, LPC, NBCC, ACT, PMH-C; Mariel Enriquez, MA, LAC, NCC, PMH-C; Nallely Willis, CLC, BBA, PMH-C; Catherine Fennie, LPC, PMH-C
Greater Phoenix Valley (6): Dr. Mandy Boltz, MD, MPH, IBCLC; Jennifer Peterson, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, PMH-C; Elisa Hoyack, LCSW, PMH-C; Nayeli Duncan, LPC, MS, PMH-C; Lyndsay Morgan, LMSW, PMH-C; Kimberly Kuopus, PMHNP, FNP-C, IBCLC
Scottsdale (3): Maya Fawley, MS, LAMFT, PMH-C; Naomi Maza, LMSW, PMH-C; Elisa Blair, MS, PMH-C, LMFT-CA
Interested in learning more about getting your PMH-C? We’re here to help!
🎓 😳 We’ve Exceeded Our 2024 Scholarship Goal!
Can you believe we blew past our 250 perinatal mental health training or exam scholarship goal by June! Huge amounts of gratitude to BCBS of AZ Foundation and Arizona Department of Health Services for your support! We continue to prioritize:
Providers of Color
Providers serving rural counties - especially those in Apache, Coconino, Graham, Greenlee, LaPaz, Navajo, and Santa Cruz counties.
Providers who accept AHCCCS
The last two scholarship application deadlines are Aug 10 & Oct 12! Act Now!
💙🌵💛PSI-AZ in the Community
Awareness is core to our mission. This past month, we had the honor of growing awareness of PSI services at the March for Babies, MOMS Tour Phoenix & Tucson, BCBS of AZ Community Collective webinar, Cactus Flower and the APAL FairPlay film screening.
A huge thanks to PSI-AZ volunteers: Nasaya T., Taylor B., Tandie M., Rachel E., Nancy F., Diane P., AJ B., and Natassia W.!
Interested in having PSI-AZ at your staff meeting or event?
Contact: psiaz.outreach@gmail.com
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Maternal/Perinatal Mental Health 101
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 10:30am-12pm PT
Register for this complimentary Maternal/Perinatal Mental Health 101 webinar to be introduced to a range of Maternal Mental Health Disorders, risk factors, treatment options, and more. A recording will be sent to those who register. Register Now
✨ Equity & Access Group Lunchtime Conversation
Thursday, June 20, 12 -1p | VIRTUAL
In honor of Father's Day, join us for an informal discussion about how to support fathers and birthing partners. We will be offering the opportunity to share resources and exchange ideas. Register Now
🌵 Using Peers to Support Maternal Mental Health - Fireside Chat
THURSDAY, June 27, 10:30 -11:30 a | VIRTUAL
Arizona’s Michelle Lacy, Executive Director of Women’s Health Innovations and Joy Burkhard (Executive Director the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health) explore how certified peer support specialists can help clinical practices meet mothers where they are and support them while waiting for a therapist. Register Today!
🖥️ “Dismantling Implicit Bias in Maternal and Infant Healthcare” training
On-demand, Free, 90-min (Access to the training expires June 30)
Earn 1.5 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) or Continuing Medical Education (CME). Anyone wanting to support patient safety, maternal health equity, and improved maternal health outcomes is welcome to take the course. Register Today
[Registration Instructions: Upon registration, enter your email address and create a password for your account. » Check your email and click the confirmation link that is sent to you. » Complete all fields on your account profile to access the training. ENTER YOUR ORG ID: ACT266 » Click SAVE to complete your signup.]
📣 The Arizona Department of Health conducts a needs assessment every five years to identify new priorities for future health programming in our state. The anonymous survey is available in English and Spanish and takes 15-20 minutes to complete. ALL Arizona residents are welcome to provide their input and perspective by Dec 31!
🗣️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