Perinatal (during pregnancy and up to a year after birth) Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) impact at least 20% of moms, but are widely underdiagnosed and untreated, leaving moms and other parents to suffer in silence. BIPOC and low-income mothers are more likely to experience PMADs but less likely to receive care.

The Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition has come together to address this need. We are focused specifically on the Massachusetts Moms Matter Act -- a bill establishing two grant programs to expand and diversify the perinatal mental health workforce and invest in community programs that support the mental health and well-being of birthing people and other new parents.

Can you help? Write today to urge your local State Representative and Senator to sign on to the bill! It only takes a minute but will make a big difference for families.

Thanks so much for taking the time to make your voice heard!

--The Massachusetts Mind the Gap Steering Committee

Jessie Colbert, Executive Director, Mass. PPD Fund

Stephanie Crawford, M.Ed, Founder, Propa City Community Outreach

Amanda Hollis Garaffo, Esq.

Ashley C. Healy, Esq., Coordinator, Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression
Jenise Katalina, MSW, LICSW, Founder, Rise Leadership and Coaching, LLC, Leadership Team, Women of
Color Health Equity Collective
Kerry McCarthy, Cape & Islands Maternal Depression Task Force
Jessica Paulino, The EMA Project
Dr. Jo-Anna Rorie, CNM, MSN, MPH, FACM, PhD, Nurse Coordinator, Bridges to Moms, Board Member, Bay State Birth
Chloe Schwartz, MPH, Director, Maternal Infant Health, March of Dimes Boston/New England Market

Gwendolyn Van Baalen, LMHC, MT-BC, CEIS

Tiffany Vassell, RN, Founder, Nurses for Black Maternal Health and Equity Organization