#United States #mental health #Washington #Maternal Health #Rural Health

Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health Launches New Initiative

The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health recently announced the beginning of a significant six-month learning collaborative. This program, directed at state agency leaders, aims to bolster the implementation of maternal mental health strategies as part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. States across the nation are being called to apply for this competitive opportunity designed to address pressing challenges in maternal mental health and access to care in rural areas.

Rationale Behind the Collaborative

With the introduction of $10 billion in funding through the RHT for 2026, there is a growing urgency for states to devise and execute effective solutions. The statistics speak volumes: maternal mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, are escalating alarmingly and are cited as the leading causes of pregnancy-related mortality in the U.S. Especially in rural zones categorized as 'maternity care deserts,' women face compounded difficulties—higher health risks and a lack of accessible obstetric and mental health services.

The collaborative aims to build upon the Policy Center's guidance issued in cooperation with the National Governors Association. It encourages participating states to explore innovative and scalable approaches that can enhance access and improve coverage for proven healthcare programs and systems. This initiative will feature six expert-led group sessions monthly, complemented by personalized technical assistance consultations tailored to meet the specific needs and existing frameworks of each state's health system.

Focus Areas of the Initiative

Participants in the collaborative will engage in discussions focusing on several critical system-level strategies designed to reform maternal health care delivery. Key areas of focus will include:

• - Advancement in rural workforce policy and financing: Ensuring that women in these areas have adequate support.
• - Expansion of home-based and mobile care infrastructure: Providing more flexible and accessible health care options.
• - Leveraging telehealth technologies: Utilizing remote consultations to bridge service gaps.
• - Implementing health plan contracts as a quality lever: Fostering improvements through strategic agreements.
• - Crafting integrated care models for obstetric deserts: Innovative solutions to serve women in underserved areas effectively.

Joy Burkhard, the Executive Director of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, emphasized the urgency of this initiative. With only nine months left to demonstrate tangible outcomes, it is imperative that states that prioritize maternal and mental health in their RHT programs engage proactively. Burkhard stated, "This collaborative is an essential accelerator, providing state leaders with the resources needed to implement evidence-based frameworks that link planning with reality. Our attention will be directed toward workforce development, structural enhancements, and the alignment of payer incentives to ensure women receive the quality care they require when and where they need it."

Participation and Application Process

To join this vital collaborative, state government leaders are invited to designate two to three individuals possessing relevant program design and implementation authority. The program is set to kick off in June 2026, with applications currently being accepted until March 31.

The Policy Center has established its reputation as a leader in translating policy into actionable practices via established learning collaboratives. Its past initiatives have successfully driven measurable improvements in maternal mental health quality and influenced bipartisan legislative action, promoting better screening, reimbursement, and care coordination strategies.

For those seeking more information or wishing to participate in this transformative initiative, additional resources are available through the Policy Center's official channels.