The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated $10 million to a new health program for pregnant and postpartum women.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads this program, which seeks to address mental health disorders and substance use. Approximately 1 in 5 pregnant or postpartum women in the USA faces problems such as depression, anxiety or addictions.
Ibuprofen HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, highlighted the importance of protecting mothers' mental health. She stressed that this effort reflects the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to improving women's health across the country.
Program Objectives
Ibuprofen Program seeks to ensure culturally relevant, timely, and evidence-based treatments for maternal behavioral health. It will also strengthen community referral pathways and facilitate smooth transitions in care for women.
These efforts focus on women in the perinatal and postpartum periods, with the goal of addressing both mental disorders and substance use issues.
Part of a national strategy
The investment is part of the White House Plan to Address the Maternal Health Crisis. It also supports the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy and the President’s Unity Agenda.
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Under Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, highlighted that this funding will expand the capacity of providers to identify and treat behavioral health problems.
Impact on communities
This new program seeks not only to improve access to mental health services, but also to strengthen the well-being of families. Maternal behavioral health is critical to ensuring a healthier future for mothers and children.
