2025 Fellowship Regional Projects
The process began with a community assessment to guide fellows’ understanding of local issues, identify existing resources and partners, and help avoid duplicating efforts. From there, teams designed a product that was feasible within the six-month Fellowship timeline while considering strategies for long-term sustainability. They presented at the MMHSUD Summit in August and have since been recognized in various ways across the state!
Training for Doulas on Supporting Perinatal People in Recovery
Region 1 fellows developed a perinatal substance use disorder training specifically for doulas in Western North Carolina. This digital training builds trauma-informed care skills to enhance support for birthing people experiencing substance use disorders and perinatal mental health concerns. Disseminated through Sistas Caring 4 Sistas, it strengthens the regional doula workforce and increases confidence in supporting families across the recovery spectrum.
Created by: Katherine Hyde-Hensley, Jillian Irwin, Chavaun Letman, Kat Lewis, Jen Palin
Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative Resource Database
Region 2 fellows built an editable, centralized database of perinatal mental health care services to improve provider awareness and referrals across the northwestern region. This database includes local and regional mental health, social support, and recovery resources.
Created by: ReAndra Blade, Robin Hartzman, Cierra Murphy-Higgs, Kanesha Tipps, Amy Wren-Howell
Pregnancy & Postpartum Wellness Project
Region 3 fellows drafted an informational guide (available in English and Spanish) for pregnant and postpartum individuals addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and social support needs. It features easy-to-understand language and positive imagery and can be customized by organizations for use in medical and community settings. The guide has been distributed by public health departments, hospitals, and community sites (like Bojangles Coliseum, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and UNC Charlotte)!
Created by: Hilary Harris, Erica Pegg, Ebony Rao, Mikaella Rohman, Cheryl Saffles, Tamika Smith
Community Provider Resource Guide
Region 4 also developed an editable, shareable database for community providers to support collaboration and referral pathways for perinatal mental health care and related services.
Created by: Kate Berrien, Angela Jenks, De’Mone Jordan, Latoya Lee, Eboni Quick, Thomas Sneed, Vanisha Wilson
Maternal Mental Health Matters: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Perinatal Care
Region 5 fellows aimed to highlight disparities and barriers in maternal health, particularly for underserved populations. Their project provides education on NC MATTERS resources and the positive impact of doula support on maternal mental health. It also introduces screening tools, community resources, and patient supports. They have presented to Cumberland County Health Department providers, and the next steps include recording and posting the presentation as a standalone webinar.
Created by: Torica Fuller, Brittany Gordon, Jacqueline Henry, Sarah Holien, Debbie Leggett, Melanie Opack, Keandria Reese
A Letter to Our Colleagues
Region 6 fellows created an outreach letter to enhance awareness and access to NC MATTERS perinatal mental health services. The letter outlines NC MATTERS offerings (consultation and support, provider training, and resource development) and encourages providers to engage with these resources. They plan to distribute the letter broadly to community partners across Region 6 to promote awareness and collaboration.
Created by: Michelle Barrett, Kathryn Coyne, Jenna Onfofrio, Michelle Rhude
