How Virginia is Fighting the Maternal Mental Health Crisis

Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially declared May 2025 as Maternal Mental Health Month in Virginia, recognizing the need for increased attention to the emotional and mental well-being of new and expecting mothers. This proclamation shines a light on the fact that up to 80 percent of new mothers experience emotional changes after childbirth, with one in five facing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), which can have long-lasting effects if left untreated.

In 2024, over 18,500 mothers in Virginia struggled with moderate to severe PMADs. Black and Hispanic women are particularly vulnerable, with 40 percent of these groups experiencing PMADs, contributing to health disparities and negative outcomes for both mother and child. The impact of these disorders can affect not only the mother but the entire family unit, including poor bonding, developmental delays in children, and maternal health complications such as pre-eclampsia, substance use disorders, and gestational diabetes.

Governor Youngkin highlighted that PMADs can appear at any time during pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum, emphasizing the need for increased awareness, support, and treatment. The state’s Right Help, Right Now initiative is a significant step in providing immediate behavioral health support, including treatment for mothers dealing with substance use disorders. The initiative aims to provide stable and healthy environments for mothers and their children, focusing on early intervention and comprehensive care.

Through the Healthy Moms, Healthy Families, and Healthy Communities initiative, Virginia is working to improve maternal health data, expand access to high-quality care, and raise awareness about maternal mental health. These efforts are part of the ongoing mission to reduce maternal health disparities and ensure all mothers in Virginia receive the care and support they need to thrive.

Governor Youngkin also emphasized the importance of public awareness in addressing this issue. By educating healthcare providers and families about the signs of PMADs and the availability of effective treatments, Virginia aims to reduce the impact of untreated mental health conditions on mothers and families. The efforts to raise awareness and expand access to care are essential for reducing maternal mortality and ensuring that mothers and children across the Commonwealth are supported throughout pregnancy and beyond.

This proclamation serves as a call to action for all Virginians to unite in support of maternal mental health. By focusing on education, early intervention, and access to care, Virginia is taking critical steps toward improving the health and well-being of mothers and their families across the state.