Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has introduced a new mental health program dedicated to supporting mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This initiative aims to address the mental health challenges many women face during this critical time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights alarming statistics: 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with mental health issues being a leading underlying cause. Despite this, only 30 to 50% of mothers undergo screening for postpartum mental health conditions. Dr. Lacy Chavis, the Psychology Services Manager at TGH, emphasizes the stigma surrounding mental health during motherhood, stating that many women feel pressured to appear at their best, which can prevent them from seeking help.
“Of those 30 to 50% who are screened, only a small fraction pursue treatment,” Dr. Chavis noted. She attributes this gap in care to a shortage of trained providers in perinatal mental health, especially in Florida. To combat this issue, TGH’s new program offers comprehensive support for mothers, spanning from pregnancy through one year postpartum. The program includes a thorough screening process followed by tailored treatment plans designed to validate and address individual experiences.
In addition to clinical support, TGH has launched the #TGHmovement4MOMS, an online platform that connects mothers facing mental health challenges. This initiative is still in its early stages and seeks community involvement to thrive.
Dr. Chavis stated, “We aim to normalize the various experiences that mothers have and provide individualized care to support both the mother and her baby.”
The program reflects TGH’s commitment to improving maternal mental health care and reducing the stigma that often prevents women from seeking help. Community contributions will be vital for the program’s sustainability and growth, allowing TGH to extend its reach to more mothers in need.
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