A new maternal mental health initiative in the Sacramento region is already helping connect pregnant and postpartum women with critical support services, according to Dignity Health.The healthcare provider recently launched a Maternal Mental Health Community Health Worker Pilot Program in partnership with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. The program is now operating at Dignity Health Woodland Clinic and Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group’s Midtown obstetrics departments.The goal is to improve mental health screening, referrals and treatment for women during pregnancy and after childbirth by embedding support directly into routine OB care.Health officials say maternal mental health disorders affect about one in five women. Many cases go undiagnosed, and suicide and overdose remain among the leading causes of death during the first year after childbirth.Community health workers involved in the program provide screenings, one-on-one support and connections to mental health resources throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.Although the pilot program launched in October 2025, early results through March 2026 show promising outcomes.More than 400 maternal mental health screenings have been conducted, with 27% of mothers identified as being at risk for a mental health disorder. The screenings also identified 3% of patients as being at risk for self-harm, allowing providers to intervene early.Dr. Deanna Dawson, an OB/GYN and Beatriz Vasquez, a Community Health Worker, both with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group joined KCRA Thursday morning to discuss the new initiative.Click the video above to watch the full interview. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A new maternal mental health initiative in the Sacramento region is already helping connect pregnant and postpartum women with critical support services, according to Dignity Health.
The healthcare provider recently launched a Maternal Mental Health Community Health Worker Pilot Program in partnership with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.
The program is now operating at Dignity Health Woodland Clinic and Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group’s Midtown obstetrics departments.
The goal is to improve mental health screening, referrals and treatment for women during pregnancy and after childbirth by embedding support directly into routine OB care.
Health officials say maternal mental health disorders affect about one in five women. Many cases go undiagnosed, and suicide and overdose remain among the leading causes of death during the first year after childbirth.
Community health workers involved in the program provide screenings, one-on-one support and connections to mental health resources throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Although the pilot program launched in October 2025, early results through March 2026 show promising outcomes.
More than 400 maternal mental health screenings have been conducted, with 27% of mothers identified as being at risk for a mental health disorder.
The screenings also identified 3% of patients as being at risk for self-harm, allowing providers to intervene early.
Dr. Deanna Dawson, an OB/GYN and Beatriz Vasquez, a Community Health Worker, both with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group joined KCRA Thursday morning to discuss the new initiative.
Click the video above to watch the full interview.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google