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Maternal Depression
Ohio's mental health service providers are working diligently to increase awareness of the effects of maternal depression through general training for early childcare providers and by identifying and linking services for at-risk families. For example, Ohio’s Maternal Depression Program (MDP) implements screening programs through a collaborative effort involving county Help Me Grow systems and alcohol, drug abuse and mental health (ADAMH) and community mental health (CMH) providers. Mental health professionals in each local program have been trained in providing therapy for women with maternal depression; therefore, they provide consultation and accept referrals for services as appropriate.
MDP objectives include:
- Increasing the number of mothers screened for maternal depression
- Increasing the number of mothers referred for further services to treat maternal depression
- Increasing the percentage of mothers referred for further service who follow up and participate in such services
Help Me Grow administers the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to mothers of infants between four to 20 weeks of age as part of their standard services. Mothers scoring in the clinical range (≥12) on the EPDS are referred to a county mental health department coordinator who arranges for further evaluation and treatment. They use a Web-based data system to enter EPDS screening information and make referrals within their counties. Data is analyzed and shared with project participants. The database allows better communication between Help Me Grow and mental health professionals regarding services provided to mothers and children in each county. Ultimately, this project will inform us about the rates of maternal depression and how to better assist this population.
Information including reports on the Maternal Depression program and a training video can be accessed at OhioCanDo4Kids.org.
"A Guide for Moms: Resources for mothers-to-be and mothers of young children" was created at Case Western Reserve University under the direction of Amy Heneghan, M.D. with major funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. All counties participating in the Maternal Depression Project are responsible for creating an insert for the guide that is specific to their county and:
- Helps mothers think about their personal and family needs
- Gives mothers information about people, services or resources that may help them through pregnancy and beyond
- Encourages mothers to seek help when they are struggling or their families need help
The guides can be ordered from the OhioCanDo4Kids Web site or requests may be sent to:
Ohio Department of Mental Health
Office of Children’s Services
30 East Broad St, 8th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3430