Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Maternal Mental Wellness Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The Maternal Mental Wellness Education and Support Program (MWESP) was established at San Bernardino County's Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) to bridge the gap between mental health services and pregnant and postpartum mothers. Every year, at least 42 pregnant or postpartum women seen in the hospital are at risk for developing depression, not counting for factors that may exacerbate the problem such as low SES or diabetes, which the hospital has a concentrated number of. The MWESP therefore aimed to upgrade the level of nursing training to screen and recognize the symptoms of a maternal mental health crises or concern, reduce the stigma against seeking help within the community, and increase access to resources for women seeking help. The program was measurably successful, resulting in a 50 percent increase in the number of pregnant or postpartum patients recognized as being at-risk and referred to psychiatric treatment.