Nearly 700 counties are considered high-risk for maternal mental health (MMH) disorders, yet 70 percent lack sufficient resources.
A recent study from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has revealed concerning MMH “dark zones” across the United States. According to the report, many counties where mothers have the greatest risk for MMH disorders were found to have the least amount of mental health resources.
“The risk factors contributing to maternal mental health (MMH) disorders are complex and known to disproportionately impact communities of color, rural communities, and other groups facing systemic inequities,” wrote researchers. “However, until recently, little has been known regarding the geographic county-level distribution of risk nor the available MMH provider resources.”
The researchers assessed county risk level using a 36-point risk factor score (RFS) system, which included predictors of MMH such as domestic violence, poverty, and social isolation. They also determined a county’s MMH resources by calculating a provider shortage gap (PSG) to estimate the number of perinatal mental health providers, prescribers, and community-based organizations within a county. The counties with the highest risk and are lowest resources were determined as MMH “dark zones.”
Key findings include:
- Seventy percent of U.S. counties lack sufficient MMH resources
- Nearly 700 counties are at high risk for MMH disorders
- The counties assigned the highest MMH risk scores are in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alaska, Arkansas, and New Mexico
- Over 150 counties are MMH dark zones
- The top six states in MMH dark zones include Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Indiana
The findings underscore the need for increased efforts to address MMH across the country, noted the research team.
“There is an urgent need for policymakers to design targeted interventions to expand MMH providers and programs in counties and regions with the greatest risk and lowest numbers of providers and community-based organizations,” they said.
Researchers concluded the report with four recommendations for federal and state policymakers, health care providers, hospitals, insurers, and communities to prevent MMH disorders and close longstanding gaps in care. Their recommendations include:
- Establish a cross-sector commission or task force and develop a state strategic plan.
- Expand peer support specialists for MMH and deploy them in clinical and community-based settings.
- Support existing community-based organizations and the development of new ones.
- Require health plan/insurance coverage of group maternity care, doulas, and home health nursing care.
For a full list of their recommendations, you can view their policy roadmap.