The hotline is the latest move by the Biden Harris administration to strengthen both maternal and mental health. The president’s 2011 budget doubles the initial investment in the hotline.
Today, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is launching the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, a new secret free hotline for pregnant new mothers experiencing mental health problems. Announced the increase. With the first $ 3 million investment, the hotline will start on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022 and will be available to counselors who provide mental health support. With the President’s 2023 fiscal year budget more than double this initial investment, HRSA will be able to expand its professional staff on the Maternal Mental Health Hotline and build additional capabilities in future phases.
“The Biden Harris administration has a bold vision to change the way mental health is addressed, treated and integrated, both inside and outside the healthcare setting,” said HHS Secretary of State Xavier Besera. “This new maternal mental health hotline not only advances our priority in addressing the national mental health crisis, but also supports our efforts to ensure healthy pregnancies and support new parents. To do.”
The announcement, made during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, will support President Biden’s government-wide strategy to transform the mental health services of all Americans. This is an important part of the president’s unified agenda, which is reflected in the president’s finances. Budget for 2023. Following a general textbook speech in March, Secretary Besera will strengthen mental health to address the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as substance use, youth mental health, and suicide. HHS national tour has started.
Those who contact the hotline will be able to provide a variety of support, including simple interventions from cultural and trauma-savvy trained counselors and, if necessary, referrals to both community-based and telemedicine providers. You can receive it. Callers also receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.
“Today we have a safe space for new mothers who are expecting to experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns of their mother to have a secret conversation and receive the support they need. We are creating it, “said Carol Johnson, HRSA administrator. “Mom can contact 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS by phone or text and get in touch with the counselor for free. Investing in this resource as we know it is what women need. Will continue to increase. “
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline reflects the Biden Harris administration’s comprehensive approach to improving maternal health and impartiality since the first inauguration of the President and Vice President. Last year, Vice President Harris hosted the first ever Federal Maternal Action Day, announcing a historic subpoena to improve the health of parents and babies in the United States. The launch of this hotline is part of HHS’s ongoing efforts to support safe pregnancy and childbirth and close pregnancy-related health inequalities.
Prior to Mother’s Day weekend, the Medicare & Medicaid Service Center (CMS) today announced an estimated 22,000 and 16,000 prenatal and postpartum Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance programs in Tennessee and South Carolina for 12 months after delivery. We announced that we can start compensation for CHIP). Each individual through the opportunity of a new state plan made available by the American Rescue Plan.
Last month, the HHS announced a $ 9 million funding opportunity to expand HRSA’s state maternal health innovation program and awarded $ 16 million to support maternal, infant and early childhood home visit programs. Did. HHS recently announced a $ 4.5 million funding opportunity to expand its community-based doula in areas with high adverse health effects for mothers and babies. In addition, HHS will fund seven states to support the screening and treatment of mothers’ depression, expand mental health training for female healthcare providers, and consult with mental health professionals remotely. We support the mental health needs of patients.
The hotline can be accessed in English and Spanish by phone or text (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)). TTY users can use the preferred relay service or dial 711 and then dial 1-833-943-5746.
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line and individuals in behavioral health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).