In September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) marked the Maternal Health Day of Action with a series of groundbreaking measures to address the nation's long-standing maternal health crisis. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra presided over a significant roundtable discussion in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside Health Resources and Services Administrator Carole Johnson. The roundtable included participation from healthcare providers, advocacy organizations, and state and local leaders.
During this event, Secretary Becerra announced several pivotal actions:
- HHS is allocating more than $103 million to bolster and broaden access to maternal health services.
- The formation of a new task force to confront maternal mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders.
- The launch of a national public education campaign, "Talking Postpartum Depression," designed to disseminate information and combat the stigma surrounding this pressing public health issue.
These actions underscore HHS and the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing commitment to advancing the President's Unity Agenda and executing the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis. This comprehensive strategy aims to tackle maternal mortality and enhance maternal and infant health, focusing on underserved communities.
Read the full release here.