CINCINNATI – Best Point Education & Behavioral Health has been awarded a $240,000 grant from bi3, a philanthropic initiative to transform health, to support an 18-month maternal mental health planning grant.
Funding will enable the organization to transform maternal mental healthcare in Greater Cincinnati.
Components of the 18-month plan include completing a needs assessment, gathering applicable national data, and forming an advisory council of key stakeholders that consists of Every Child Succeeds, Cradle Cincinnati, Groundwork Ohio, TriHealth and Hamilton County Public Health. The resulting strategic plan could address screening, workforce development, equity and inclusion principles and new care models.
“Once we get through a very meticulous 18-month planning phase, we’ll be able to provide a comprehensive set of strategic recommendations for implementation to transform maternal mental healthcare in Greater Cincinnati,” said Debbie Gingrich, chief clinical officer at Best Point.
Complications arising from maternal mental health impacts 800,000 women per year in the U.S. About 75% of these cases are untreated, and suicide and overdose are the leading causes of death for women in the first year after pregnancy.
“Fortunately, maternal mental health conditions are treatable and are usually temporary,” Gingrich said. “The issue facing many families is access to care and having the right advocates and right partners in place to advocate change for communities.”
“The science says maternal mental health affects about 1-in-5 women every year,” said John Banchy, president and CEO of Best Point. “We’re very grateful our allies at bi3 recognize this need in our community and are committed to help us bring education, screening, prevention and treatment to Greater Cincinnati.”
MEDIA: Representatives from Best Point are available for comment. Please contact David Gerndt, director of marjeting and communication strategy, for coordination and assistance. David may be reached at dgerndt@tchcincy.org; office: 513-242-3513. Learn more at www.bestpoint.org.
