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FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH Jenn Davis, PSI Chapters Program Manager
Suffering in silence. This is the story of so many Black women in the US who are experiencing perinatal mental health issues. Black women experience a higher prevalence of perinatal mental health disorders, relative to the US population as a whole (40% of Black women experience postpartum depression, which is more than double the rate of the general population). However, Black women are less likely to seek treatment, and if they do, they are less likely to receive quality treatment.
Why is this? Well, there are many contributing factors, most of which are grounded in systemic racism, from lack of diversity in healthcare to higher levels of stress and trauma to perceived racial discrimination, which leads to overall distrust in the healthcare system. All of these reasons and so many more play a role in the experience of Black women regarding perinatal mental health care. Black women continue to fall through the cracks. So what is PSI doing to help change this narrative?
PSI has committed to lifting the voices of Black birthing people. As we know that can help reduce the stigma, help to break down barriers, and to shed light on the perinatal mental health crisis that is affecting so many. PSI is also focused on creating programs and services specifically for Black birthing people and families (such as Black Moms Connect), while also increasing our focus on representation as an organization.
Join PSI Georgia for the 2022 Virtual Black Maternal Mental Health Summit - January 26, 2022 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Learn more and Register
PSI would like to spend this month highlighting organizations that are doing work to address the health disparities for black birthing people in regards to Perinatal Mental Health. We would like to hear from you? Do you know of an organization that we should follow on social media? A website or resource we should share? A study, video, conference, training we can highlight?Let us know, so we can share on social media and on the PSI website.
Become a member of PSI & the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHA-POC). PMHA-POC membership is now included in your PSI membership. When you choose to join the PMHA-POC as part of your membership, 25% of your member dues will go directly to the program. This funding enables PMHA-POC to increase outreach efforts, provide scholarships for trainings, and facilitate access to support services for individuals in need. Become a Member
A new video released this week highlights Mind the Gap. Share this with your networks, your colleagues, and your loved ones to raise awareness of this crucial work to improve the lives of birthing persons across the country.
PSI is currently looking for volunteers to support the work we do every day. See below for current opportunities.
We are currently actively recruiting volunteers in the following areas:
Support Coordinators in Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee. All training provided.
State Chapter - Board Openings in Alaska, California, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah.
Support Group Leaders - Apply your lived experience and recovery to support a new parent in need. Training provided.
Our Support Group Leaders are essential to the success of our Online Support Group program. Our Military Moms group leaders are trained peer facilitators who are active-duty personnel and military spouses who understand the unique stress of military family life. Learn more about our Military Moms Support Group
For a full list of Online Support Groups or to register visit our page here.
MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE TRAINING COURSE
PSI and 2020 Mom present a Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals. This online webinar series includes eight live sessions, small group discussions, supplemental reading materials, 16 continuing education credits, and a certificate of completion. The Webinar Series counts towards the PMH-C certification. The 8-week course runs 2/28/22 - 6/6/22
Do you have questions about the PMH-C? PSI hosts a monthly call where we can answer your questions! The PMH-C call is the perfect time to have questions answered about qualifications, exam preparation, trainings, etc.
We are now offering the option to have a professionally printed version of your PMH-C certificate. The certificate is for those providers who have already passed the PMH-C exam, and are PMH-C Certified. Visit the store to order!
Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C) December 2021 You can find the full list of PMH-C recipients HERE
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