Mass. PPD Fund: Our Mission and Vision

The Mass. PPD Fund works to increase communities’ capacity to address the mental health needs of new parents in Massachusetts through raising awareness, training, and advocacy. Our vision is compassionate, culturally appropriate, universal mental health support for parents facing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).

What are PMADs?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the #1 complication of pregnancy, and include a range of mental health challenges that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year postpartum and beyond. They include depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, and postpartum psychosis.

Unfortunately, 75% of moms facing these illnesses do not receive care, and suicide and overdose combined are the #1 cause of death in the first year postpartum. Parents facing racial, economic, or other inequities are both more likely to experience PMADs and less likely to receive care. But PMADs are treatable with the right help – which can include therapy, peer support, and/or medication – and we can do better.

WHAT WE DO: RAISING AWARENESS

Because of shame, stigma, and a lack of awareness – or consistent screening – most cases of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) go unidentified and untreated.

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The Mass PPD Fund lifts up survivors’ stories and spreads the word about PMADs through partnerships with groups and coalitions, events, social and traditional media, and more.

WHAT WE DO: TRAINING

To increase screening and care for PMADs, all kinds of providers – from doulas to pediatricians – need to know what to look for and what to do next. And better care depends on more specializing mental health providers, in more communities.

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Through scholarship campaigns to recognized training programs and our own educational initiatives, the Mass PPD Fund helps add both specializing mental health professionals and other providers prepared to screen and support parents.

WHAT WE DO: ADVOCACY

It’s not enough to fill in the gaps – we need broad-based policy changes to make sure all new parents facing PMADs are supported, screened, and get the care they need.

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The Mass PPD Fund coordinates the Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition working on the Moms Matter Act, promotes best practices for integrating screening and care, and is an active member of birth equity coalitions.

OUR STAFF & BOARD

  • Jessie Colbert

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Asmeet Sran

    TRAINING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

  • Ashlyn Rizzo

    BOARD PRESIDENT, LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

  • Dr. Claire Levesque

    BOARD TREASURER, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, POINT 32 HEALTH (RETIRED)

  • Dr. Lucy Chie

    BOARD CLERK, OB/GYN DIRECTOR, SOUTH COVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

  • Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite

    BOARD MEMBER, CEO, WELL MINDS PSYCHIATRY AND CONSULTING COMPANY, PLLC

  • Carolyn Coleman, MSW

    BOARD MEMBER, SOCIAL WORKER/SUPERVISOR, BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION’S HEALTHY BABY HEALTHY CHILD PROGRAM

  • Dan Healy, Esq.

    BOARD MEMBER, COUNSEL, SEYFARTH SHAW LLP

  • Rep. Ellen Story

    BOARD MEMBER, STATE REPRESENTATIVE (RETIRED)

HELP & SUPPORT

The Mass. PPD Fund works to increase resources for PMADs but does not provide direct care. For immediate help, please contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit Postpartum Support International (PSI). Massachusetts residents can also access support through their medical provider through the MCPAP for Moms program – ask your provider for more information.