CoE-IHS Office Hour: Suicide Prevention and Post-Partum Depression among Black and African American Women

The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. And, while post-partum depression (PPD) affects one in eight women in the U.S., women of color consistently experience the greatest risk, but are less likely to receive access to equitable care due to financial barriers, prejudice toward those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges and a historical distrust of the health care system. Maternal mental health symptoms among women of color are often overlooked, misunderstood and under addressed, leading to higher rates in depression, and for some, suicide.

To increase access to equitable care and save lives through suicide prevention and treatment among Black and African American (B/AA) women and pregnant people, we must provide culturally and linguistically responsive services, practice cultural humility and honor the tenacity of individuals and communities through providing whole person care.

Integrated care models that offer a person-centered and collaborative approach to care services that best meet the needs of an individual to improve equitable care for all, are particularly important in suicide prevention.

Join us for an office hour session on Wednesday, April 12, 1-2 p.m. ET.  to explore the existing disparities that impact maternal health care for B/AA women and pregnant people and share helpful strategies to advance equitable and integrated care and improve health outcomes for women in B/AA communities.

For more tools and resources, explore the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Addressing Health Equity and Racial Justice Webpage!