The Monterey County Maternal Mental Health Task Force has a bold vision: Pregnant and parenting mothers and their families will thrive and experience mental wellness during pregnancy and infant years, and ultimately improving children’s and parents’ health and well-being across Monterey County.
The Task Force is chaired by Monterey County Behavioral Health, with support from Bright Beginnings, and meets once a month. We are currently conducting a survey of maternal mental health services to identify barriers that can be addressed to improve services for mothers and families.
Mission of the Monterey County Maternal Mental Health Task Force:
The Task Force will support resilience and wellness of pregnant and parenting mothers and primary caregivers, and their families by:
- increasing awareness and decreasing the stigma associated with maternal mental health concerns;
- increasing socio-emotional and community supports for pregnant and parenting mothers and families; and
- promoting better access to mental health services, uniform and consistent screening, and treatment for maternal mental health concerns and other challenges.
The Task Force will support collective actions to reduce equity gaps and disparities in each of these areas, to ensure all pregnant and parenting mothers and their families thrive. If you or a colleague are interested in joining, please email us!