Study finds fragmented systems, recommends statewide perinatal behavioral health strategy

Dr. Stephanie Woodard presented a six‑month study on perinatal behavioral health that combined literature review, 24 key‑informant interviews, seven focus groups and geographic mapping. The study found persistent unmet behavioral‑health needs among pregnant and postpartum women, high rates of substance‑related pregnancy deaths, stigma, and fragmented systems that make screening and referral difficult.

Key recommendations include a cross‑agency perinatal behavioral health strategic plan; regional perinatal behavioral health networks to enable closed‑loop referrals and care coordination; expansion of integrated perinatal behavioral health services across primary, reproductive and pediatric settings; investments in specialty perinatal behavioral health capacity; and stronger linkages with early‑childhood and child‑welfare systems to support family preservation.

Presenters noted that screening is often avoided because providers lack referral capacity and that home‑visiting programs currently reach a very small fraction of eligible families. Committee members received the report; presenters offered follow‑up and the full written report had been provided to members.

The committee did not take formal action; members asked for the written report and signaled interest in using recommendations to inform interim work and potential legislation.