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2009 CityMatCH Urban MCH Leadership ConferenceFranklin County Maternal Depression InitiativePRIMARY CONTACT:Grace Kolliesuah, MSWProgram ManagerColumbus Public Health240 Parsons AveColumbus, OH, 43215Phone: (614) 645-1697Fax: (614) 645-0865Email: gmkolliesuah@columbus.govCATEGORYMental healthFOCUSProgram Policy FocusISSUECO-PRESENTER(S)/AUTHOR(S):Karen Grey, kareng@columbus.gov (Author)The purpose of the Maternal Depression Initiative is to explore the mental health needs of pregnant andparenting women in Franklin County, Ohio and enhance the system of care.SETTINGColumbus Public Health’s Caring For Two project conducts routine screenings for postpartum depression(PPD.) Screenings are conducted by visiting nurses prior to delivery and within four to six weeks afterdelivery to help identify antepartum and PPD. Analysis of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scalescreens indicated that 36% of mothers are at moderate to high risk for PPD. Intended audience includespregnant and parenting women in Franklin County.PROJECTThe Maternal Depression Task Force (MDTF) is a collaborative effort among individuals from the healthand social service fields that organized to address the lack of awareness and education regardingdepression resources during and after pregnancy. The methodology was a three-pronged approachincluding:• Needs assessment – identify how mental health system works and determine how women at-risk fordepression are identified.• Resource assessment – assess availability of mental health services and identify gaps in services.• Strategic action identification – identify strategies to effectively educate on the severity of maternaldepression and develop mental health system improvement plan.Maternal depression is a critical issue and adversely impacts birth outcomes, infant development, andmother well-being. Our ultimate goal is increased screening and access to mental health services formothers.51