Perinatal Mental Health Hotlines & Resources - September 11

Recorded On: 09/11/2023

This is part of the AAMC Maternal Mental Health Learning Series.

Postpartum suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth. Perinatal mood disorders such as anxiety and depression also affect millions of birthing people each year. In both instances, women of color are disproportionately affected and have increased suicidal ideation than white women, as well as more instances of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. To combat these mental health issues, there are many organizations and resources out there to help in times of crisis. 

Postpartum Support International (PSI) is one of the foremost organizations working to bring awareness and help to those mothers in need through resources, hotlines, and much more. PSI in coordination with HRSA launched a National Maternal Mental Health Hotline last year, which provides 24/7 free and confidential support throughout the entire perinatal period. In addition to this hotline, the US Department of Health & Human Services introduced the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, demonstrating that mental health is a national priority. This webinar will amplify the work PSI is doing, bring awareness about the different hotlines, and discuss how to help after women call a hotline.

Register for other sessions in the series as they become available here. Please note that you may participate in multiple forums or choose individual sessions to attend.

Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C

Executive Director, Postpartum Support International

Wendy Davis PhD, PMH-C, is the Executive Director of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world’s largest organization focused on perinatal mental health. Dr. Davis provides leadership and strategic direction to the network of PSI chapters and experts to advance the mission, vision and purpose of PSI.  She leads PSI’s delivery of vital perinatal mental health information, education, support, and services to pregnant and postpartum women, fathers and partners, and families.  Wendy began her career as a psychotherapist, and  became a specialist in perinatal mental health after recovering from postpartum depression and anxiety.

Wendy works with health care systems, sectors and government agencies, and serves on national advisory boards providing expertise on policy and practice for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  Dr. Davis and PSI partner with advocacy and professional organizations to advance policy, training, and services.  Dr. Davis leads the PSI Mind the Gap National Initiative with a coalition of stakeholders to ensure Perinatal Mental Health is a national priority.

Chris Raines, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, PMH-C

Board Chair Emeritus, Postpartum Support International

Christena Raines, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, PMH-C, is an adjunct professor in the department of psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill. She is a dual trained nurse practitioner in women’s health care and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. At UNC she helped develop an intergraded perinatal mental health model within the OB-GYN High-risk clinics and founded the UNC Perinatal Depression Support group. She was a member of the planning team instrumental in opening the 1st in-patient Perinatal Psychiatric program in the US. She is considered a subject matter expert (SME) and currently serves as the board chair emeritus for Postpartum Support International.

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