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Although Sunday, May 11 marked the end of Mother's Day and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, this May we are celebrating moms and Mental Health Awareness Month all month long, reminding us of the vital importance of listening, supporting, and taking action.
Earlier this month, we honored the courage it takes to speak openly about maternal mental health, but the conversation doesn't end here. Let us all commit to continually uplifting the voices of mothers everywhere, supporting their well-being, and ensuring every parent knows they are not alone.
As health leaders, we have the profound responsibility—and opportunity—to foster environments where mothers can openly discuss their mental health, access compassionate care, and feel supported at every step. Let's prioritize efforts and initiatives that address postpartum depression, anxiety, and maternal burnout, ensuring no mother feels isolated or unheard.
A belated happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, birthing people, and caregivers, and to our Spanish-speaking community, Feliz Día de las Madres! Continue to speak up and support the moms in your life. Your story matters. Your mental health matters. You matter. Let's continue, together in health.
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
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In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data on 2023 maternal mortality rates showing a decrease in maternal deaths among White, Asian, and Hispanic women while Black women saw an increase. Behavioral health problems are a contributing factor for roughly 10-15% of pregnancy related deaths.
With one in five Californians experiencing depression during and after pregnancy, how can we reduce this number?
Help support a new mom: know what signs to look for and what support to offer. Our office developed a sharable infographic for those that may not know where to start.
| | This resource aims to increase awareness and empower individuals to recognize the signs of depression and encourage people to support the mental health of new moms. Now available in Spanish. | | The California Department of Public Health's Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division wants everyone to know there is no shame in seeking help. Most people experience full recovery when they get treatment. | | National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | | Over the past year, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline has supported moms, including Californians, at every stage—pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. If you or a loved one needs help, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA anytime. | | Maternal Mental Health Spanish Media Tour | | | |  | In the days leading up to Mother’s Day, Dr. Diana Ramos amplified the importance of maternal mental health through a powerful Spanish-language media tour across five radio stations and four major television outlets in California. Dr. Ramos emphasized maternal mental health is not just a personal challenge—it’s a shared public health issue that demands community and systemic solutions. The critical role of social connection and equitable healthcare in supporting maternal well-being, reminding audiences that care and support must extend far beyond a single day of recognition, mothers need year-round, community-based support, to truly thrive. | | | Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) | |
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The Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA), also available in Spanish, is a quick, 8-question quiz that’s all about you—your health, your goals, and your future. It’s not complicated or overwhelming—just a simple check-in to help you understand how your current health might impact a future pregnancy.
Share, repost, and disseminate the quiz today. Leave a few at your local grocery store, laundromat, or beauty shop. Drop off a few in a local library or community center. Leave the questions, add a local resource, and help us get PreMA into the hands of those who need it. Take it anytime, anywhere. PreMA is just the beginning of a healthier, more informed you.
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Dr. Diana Ramos participated in the launch of Calm Health's innovative approach to support the mental health of moms: the Not Calm Moms' All the Rage event.
Airing on the Today show earlier this month, Dr. Ramos joined Never Enough author Jennifer Wallace and comedian and mom Ilana Glazer for an in-depth conversation on what maternal health looks like and how to find the village of support. Learn more about this transformative movement in Forbes Magazine and find a village near you on the Not Calm Moms Club.
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Meet Spicey Moms
Spicey Moms is a global grassroots initiative founded by comedian and activist Angelina Spicer, focused on supporting mothers in underserved communities during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. Spicey Moms offers emotional, physical, and informational assistance to improve maternal health outcomes. They work to normalize conversations around the challenges of motherhood, particularly postpartum depression, aiming to reduce stigma and foster supportive environments through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
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Meet Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health believes all pregnant and postpartum mothers should have ready access to standardized, evidence-based maternal mental health care from providers they respect and trust. They offer free training on perinatal mental health, perinatal substance use disorders, and so much more.
| | | | Opportunities & Community Updates | With the hope of improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction, the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center recently published the "15 Pregnancy Questions," a project designed to improve patient-provider communication, elevate trust, and encourage patients to advocate for themselves. The 2025 Black Maternal Health Guide is also available. |
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Maternal Health: Improving Cardiovascular Health Issue Brief
In February 2025 during American Heart Month, we convened leaders from healthcare, technology, and community organizations to help drive new and innovative solutions. Discussions emphasized the need for culturally responsive care, improved coordination, and innovative tools to reduce preventable maternal deaths. This issue brief highlights key insights and opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and implement scalable solutions that save lives.
Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos (Audio Series)
Stay tuned for the next episode of our new audio series, and the first in Spanish, coming soon on gestational diabetes with Bertha Pérez-Sánchez. In case you missed it, two episodes are available now on our YouTube channel with Dr. Afshan Hameed on cardiovascular & maternal health and Dr. Sharief Taraman on maternal & child health and health innovation.
Strong Start & Beyond: Partnering for Progress (Winter Webinar Series)
April concluded the last webinar part of our winter series that started back in November 2024. Did you miss one or just want to relive the moment? All recordings are available on our website under the Webinars tab.
Have suggestions on collaboration or interested in being featured in an upcoming newsletter or other communication channel? Contact us for consideration at strongstartandbeyond@osg.ca.gov.
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