Mothers and Legislators Unite for Essential Reform in Perinatal Mental Health Services

Jessica Walker, founder of Be Mom Aware, masked her struggles with postpartum depression until her young son questioned her sadness. At "From Pain to Power: A California Storytelling and Advocacy Day," she and others advocated for Senate Bill 626 to improve perinatal mental health care, highlighting systemic inequalities affecting marginalized families. Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas emphasized the need for compassionate legislation, outlining provisions for care coordination and treatment, as nearly 25% of maternal fatalities stem from mental health issues.