Policy Center Welcomes New Leaders to Advance Maternal Health Initiatives

Policy Center Welcomes New Board Members

Today, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health announced the election of two distinguished leaders, Sarah Foster and Karen Tabb Dina, to its board of directors. This is a significant step forward in promoting maternal mental health and enhancing support for women and families across the nation.

Introducing New Board Members

Sarah Foster, MPH

Sarah Foster brings over 25 years of experience in federal health policy and program development, focusing on initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of women and families. Her substantial experience has seen her lead efforts to advance maternal health policies, tackle maternal mortality rates, and address the impacts of opioid use on pregnant women. Foster holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan. She believes in the power of policy as a catalyst for improving public health outcomes at a population level.

Karen Tabb Dina, PhD, MSW, FAASWSW

Dr. Karen Tabb Dina is a leading voice in perinatal mental health and minority health. As a full professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work and a researcher at the Beckman Institute, she has dedicated her career to understanding and addressing disparities in maternal health. With over 130 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Tabb Dina's work is highly recognized, earning thousands of citations. Her research initiatives focus on equity in perinatal outcomes and community engagement during critical early life phases. Her advocacy for racial equity in postpartum care is particularly noteworthy, as she works on projects that aim to bridge gaps in care for diverse populations.

Significance of Their Appointment

The addition of Foster and Dr. Tabb Dina to the Policy Center's board significantly enhances its expertise in maternal health. Joy Burkhard, the CEO, expressed enthusiasm about their contributions, emphasizing the importance of their collective experience in facilitating necessary health policy changes to improve the well-being of mothers and families in the U.S.

The board itself contains a diverse array of experts from various sectors, including clinical operations, academia, and policy-making. Notable members include Carla Eckhardt Taracena, the board chair, and Jaime Cabrera, the incoming chair. This diversity often results in comprehensive discussions that lead to actionable strategies for addressing maternal health challenges.

With the ongoing maternal health crisis in the United States, the elevation of voices like Foster and Dr. Tabb Dina is more critical than ever. Their roles will support the Policy Center’s mission of closing existing gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly those related to untreated maternal mental health disorders such as postpartum depression.

Commitment to Maternal Mental Health

The Policy Center has been at the forefront of raising awareness around maternal mental health issues, shifting the national conversation toward actionable solutions. By advancing evidence-based practices and policy changes, the organization seeks to mitigate the suffering associated with untreated mental health disorders among expecting and new mothers.

Their work is pivotal in addressing not only the symptoms of maternal mental health issues but also the underlying systemic challenges that exacerbate these conditions. The focus on community-oriented approaches and equitable solutions underscores a commitment to fostering healthier environments for mothers and their children.

By bringing on experienced leaders like Sarah Foster and Karen Tabb Dina, the Policy Center is poised to drive meaningful change in maternal health policies and practices. Their expertise will undoubtedly influence initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for women and families nationwide.

In conclusion, the election of these accomplished new board members marks a promising chapter for the Policy Center in its effort to tackle the pressing issues in maternal mental health. As they embark on this mission, there is anticipation for the impact their guidance will have on the future of maternal health across the United States.