Task Force on Maternal Mental Health
The Office on Women's Health (OWH) leads several groups and committees to coordinate efforts for women's health within the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS), as well as with other
federal agencies.
Purpose
The Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, co-led by the Office on Women’s Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will identify, evaluate, and make recommendations to coordinate and improve activities related to addressing maternal mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders. There will be a focus on mental health equity as well as trauma-informed practices.
Areas of Focus
- Data, Research, Quality Improvement and Health Equity
- Prevention, Screening, and Diagnosis
- Evidence-based Intervention and Treatment
- Evidence-based Community Practices
- Communications and Community Engagement
Members
Co-Chairs
Admiral Rachel Levine, M.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Health
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use
Task Force Leadership
Dorothy Fink, M.D., HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and Director, Office on Women's Health
Nima Sheth M.D. M.P.H., Senior Medical Advisor and Associate Administrator for Women’s Services (AAWS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The task force is made up of both federal and nonfederal members, including those with lived experience. SAMHSA and the OWH within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health are collaborating to use the existing SAMHSA Advisory Committee for Women’s Services (ACWS) to implement the task force.
Task Force Products
Solicitation for Public Comments on Questions From the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health
The Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, co-led by the HHS-OWH and SAMHSA, is soliciting public comments on questions concerning the context, policies, effectiveness, promising practices, and limitations and gaps related to prevention and treatment of maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders (inclusive of alcohol use/misuse) and its complications. Comments will be accepted through February 8, 2024 at 12:00 AM ET.