News

NC General Assembly Invests $835 Million in Behavioral Health

Last year the General Assembly invested $835 million to strengthen the state’s behavioral health system, including programs like NC MATTERS and NC PAL. This historic commitment to improving health, well-being, and day-to-day lives of North Carolinians and their families, is outlined in a new report, Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person … Read more

PSI-NC Annual Member Meeting

On Saturday, September 7th, 2024 PSI-NC is hosting their annual member meeting with NC MATTERS and NC PAL Program Manager, Carine Kelleher, as guest speaker! Join PSI-NC to hear Carine discuss “Cultural Community Wealth and the Perinatal Population,” and stick around for the opportunity to network, learn, and plan for 2025! WHEN: Saturday, September 7, … Read more

2024 Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Summit

OPTIMIZING OUTCOMES: Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Summit On Friday, August 16th, 2024, NC MATTERS and the NC DHHS Maternal Health Branch, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section, are inviting healthcare and public health professionals to join us in Asheville to learn about how we can improve our support of maternal health outcomes. … Read more

HRSA Invests More than $4 Million to Address Maternal Mortality and Improve Maternal Health in North Carolina

“Funding supports Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to increase access to maternal care; address maternal depression; and grow the maternal health workforce Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced more than $4 million in awards to North Carolina to support the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis (PDF … Read more

WRAL News: $4 million to improve care for pregnant women and new moms

North Carolina will receive $4 million in federal funding to improve maternal care in the state. Find the video from WRAL news here.

Addressing Taboo Topics: Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy

Medical Director Mary Kimmel speaks with 97.9 The Hill about the stress that new and expectant mothers can face, and how that can impact symptoms of anxiety and depression. Kimmel said it can be very difficult to recognize or admit feelings of depression or anxiety at a time when moms are supposed to be happy. … Read more

‘Don’t be ashamed of it:’ Raleigh mom explains how she overcame postpartum depression

Dr. Mary Kimmel is featured in this ABC 11 story about postpartum depression. Find the video here. “Postpartum depression…is a real thing. And it can be a dangerous thing. And I don’t think it’s talked about enough. And I don’t think that women in general know enough about it.”

The Postpartum Care Tips OB/Gyns Wish You Knew

Dr. Mary Kimmel is quoted in this Good Housekeeping article about people who give birth can navigate the postpartum recover period. “Give yourself space to feel whatever emotions you have, including grief or sadness. We go into birth with a lot of expectations, including some we don’t even realize we have. Having surgery and recovery … Read more

Perinatal depression affects one in seven women, including me

“Less well-known than postpartum depression, perinatal depression caused by hormone and life changes affects many pregnant women. I should know: I’m one of them.” Journalist Yen Duong writes about her experience with perinatal depression and accessing mental health care in North Carolina. She interviews NC MATTERS Program Manger Karen Burns and Medical Director Mary Kimmel … Read more