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Health and wellness are not only personal and family-centered but strengthened by the communities around us, and that's what May reminds us this month. As we come together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Women’s Health Week, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, National Stroke Awareness Month, and National High Blood Pressure Education Month, remember that prevention, support, and connection matter at every stage of life.
Mental health affects the whole family. For mothers, the postpartum period can bring joy, change, stress, isolation, anxiety, or depression. For fathers and partners, this season can also bring emotional pressure, uncertainty, and the challenge of caring for others while often feeling they must stay strong in silence. Supporting men’s mental health is also part of supporting healthy families. When fathers and partners are seen, supported, and encouraged to seek help when needed, the entire family benefits.
May is also an important time to focus on heart and brain health. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure—many without knowing it. It affects both men and women, and for women, blood pressure during pregnancy and after delivery can also be an important sign of future health. The good news is that there are proactive steps we can take: knowing our numbers, getting regular checkups, staying active, eating heart-healthy foods, managing stress, taking medication when prescribed, and supporting one another in making health a priority.
Through "One Small Thing," we are raising awareness about maternal mental health and the simple ways each of us can support new moms, fathers, partners, and families. A meal, a check-in, help with errands, offering time for rest, or simply asking, “How are you really doing?” can make a meaningful difference. Fathers, partners, grandparents, friends, and neighbors all play an important role in helping families feel seen, supported, and connected. Let's continue together in health!
Juntos en salud,
Dr. Diana Ramos
California Surgeon General
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On Mother's Day this year, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a letter recognizing One Small Thing Day in the State of California—because supporting moms before, during, and especially after pregnancy is essential to the well-being of children, families and our state.
Everyday acts of care, such as helping with household chores, bringing over a meal, babysitting, running an errand, or simply checking in, are easy yet effective ways to affirm mom’s experiences and ensure they feel seen and heard. Today and every day, we can support new moms, and together, we can help reduce preventable maternal deaths.
| | "One Small Thing" in Action | The "One Small Thing" campaign continues to show how simple gestures can help new mothers and families feel seen, supported, and connected. Earlier this month, partners across California came together to bring "One Small Thing" to life in the Los Angeles community, including Chrissy Teigen, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Black Infant Health Los Angeles, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. | California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos led a discussion with a troop of Girl Scouts about the importance of maternal health and how everyday acts of care can help postpartum moms combat loneliness and isolation. The Girl Scouts then created coupon books and maternity care kits to distribute to local moms and members of the community. This shared commitment to community & compassion shows us that people of all ages can help new moms during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. What's your one small thing? | | The "One Small Thing" coupon book, also available in Spanish, is a thoughtful way to support and care for a new mom. Babysitting, helping with chores, delivering a meal—there are so many easy yet meaningful ways to help. You are not just offering kindness, you are creating connection and care. | | In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Good Neighbor Day America set out to inspire acts of love, kindness, and service in communities across the U.S. In alignment with our campaign, we partnered with them in Los Angeles to celebrate moms, encouraging everyone to support new moms through small acts of kindness. | | NEW: Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos | | |
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Step into Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series that highlights innovations in maternal health. Hosted by the California Surgeon General, these conversations tackle topics around technology, equity, and successes with industry leaders.
In episode 14, Dr. Ramos talks about transforming pregnancy care with Dr. Senan Ebrahim of Delfina, an integrated pregnancy platform, including:
- AI, Data + Equity in Care
- Partnering with Doulas
- Remote Pregnancy Monitoring
- & more!
Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos is now available on Spotify and YouTube! Be sure to subscribe and follow for upcoming episodes with other guests and industry leaders.
| | | Addressing Perinatal Mental Health | | Last month, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom convened with statewide leaders at El Camino Health to strengthen the current landscape of perinatal wellness, which encompasses care during and up to two years after childbirth. This conversation, facilitated by the California Perinatal Wellness Alliance, comes at a time when perinatal mental health affects 1 in 3 California women during pregnancy and in the first two years after birth. The majority of these women do not receive treatment – demonstrating urgency on addressing the matter and advocating for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience for California families. | “Perinatal mental health is foundational to the well-being of families, communities, and future generations,” said California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos. “When a mother is struggling, it signals an opportunity to strengthen coordination across care systems and community support. By working together, we can ensure mothers receive the support they need, setting families and communities on a healthier, more stable path.” |
Improving Access to Services
California continues to set the standard in improving access to perinatal mental health services. Over the last few years, California has achieved the lowest maternal mortality rate in the country. This is a result of the state's investment in maternal health, yet the work continues for California families.
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Birthing Care Pathway: a comprehensive policy and care model roadmap to cover the journey of all pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members from conception through 12 months postpartum.
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Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP): a Medi-Cal benefit that provides a set of services from conception through 60 days postpartum.
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Strong Start and Beyond: our movement to reduce California’s maternal mortality rate, including the California Maternal Health Blueprint to raise awareness of the maternal health crisis and leading causes of pregnancy-related death.
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It is common for pregnant people and new parents to experience mental health challenges. Mental health support is an important part of dealing with life challenges and taking care of yourself.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.
The Postpartum Support International Hotline provides information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.
There is no shame in seeking help. Most people experience full recovery when they get treatment.
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| | California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos had the opportunity this month to speak on a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference on advancing women's health alongside Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Afton Vechery and Esther Krofah, highlighting California's work to reduce maternal mortality and save lives. By working together—across communities, partnerships, and programs—we can create diverse solutions that truly reflect the needs of everyone and support lifelong wellness. | | ICYMI: Free Diapers to All New Parents | | |
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In case you missed it, California is launching a first-in-the-nation program to provide free diapers to every newborn, easing costs for families and supporting infant and maternal health as the state explores how CalRx can help bring down diaper costs.
Beginning this summer, every newborn delivered in a participating California hospital will receive 400 high-quality diapers at no cost to the family at the time of discharge.
The goal of the program is to ease financial strain for families, reduce difficult trade-offs between diapers and other essentials, and support infant health.
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In California, mental health support is available for everyone in the family—children and youth, teens and young adults, parents and caregivers, and older adults, too. This Mental Health Awareness Month, discover FREE resources and support through CalHOPE, including:
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CalHOPE Warm Line: Non-judgmental support for people struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.
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BrightLife Kids: Personalized support for California families with kids ages 0–12. Expert coaching, live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more.
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Soluna: A wellbeing app for teens and young adults ages 13-25. You can handle it. We can help. All yours (all free).
| | Events, Webinars & Other Opportunities | | |
Registration open May 21-October 15
AIM has opened registration for its new Community of Learning series, Leveraging System Strengths to Solve Capacity Gaps in Limited-Resource Environments. This four-part virtual series will explore leadership, collaboration, staffing support, customized patient safety bundle implementation, and data utilization strategies to strengthen maternal health systems in limited-resource settings. Sessions will feature real-world insights and practical approaches from AIM entities and participating hospitals working to advance sustainable change in perinatal care.
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Community Innovation Pilot Awards (CIPA) Program
May 29, 2026
Applications are now open for the Community Innovation Pilot Awards (CIPA), led by the UCSF Center for Health Equity in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health. This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in California working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through high-quality, culturally responsive perinatal programs and services. Awards will support innovative, community-centered models focused on addressing maternal health disparities, including efforts to reduce chronic stress, improve neighborhood conditions, and expand access to respectful care. Funding Amount: $160,000–$200,000 per year.
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MCH Workforce Development and Training Center
June 2, 2026 | California Endowment Center, Los Angeles
An educational training focused on maternal mental health during and after pregnancy. This session emphasizes early recognition, screening, and connection to culturally appropriate resources.
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29th Annual Quality of Life for Families Conference
June 4, 2026 | California Endowment Center, Los Angeles
Registration is now open for the 29th Annual Quality of Life for Families Conference, a one-day, in-person conference focused on challenges in perinatal care from pregnancy through the fourth trimester. This year’s conference will highlight strategies to improve continuity of care for birthing people, neonates, and families, with an emphasis on inclusivity, informed decision-making, and postpartum transitions from hospital to home.
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Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program (PMHCA)
June 8, 2026
This program supports pediatric primary care providers by expanding access to mental and behavioral health consultation, training, and care coordination services for children and youth. Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-26-058.
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National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation Policy Research Grants
June 8, 2026
The NIHCM Foundation is now accepting letters of inquiry for its 2026–2027 Investigator-Initiated Policy Research Grant program. This funding opportunity supports innovative, solutions-oriented research aimed at improving the affordability, accessibility, and quality of health care in the United States. Funding Amount: Up to $500,000.
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National Institues of Health (NIH) BRAIN Initiative Funding Opportunity
June 9, 2026
The NIH BRAIN Initiative recently announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This opportunity supports exploratory research and planning activities focused on advancing innovative neural recording and stimulation technologies in the human brain. Applications are due June 9, 2026. Researchers and interested partners are encouraged to review the opportunity and consult with the NIH team regarding responsiveness to the NOFO.
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Integrating Clinical and Community Care for Childbearing Families
A continuing education course focused on integrating clinical, community-based, and family-centered care to improve outcomes for childbearing families. This training emphasizes respectful, person-centered approaches and evidence-based practices.
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Maternal Mental Health - It's Not Just Postpartum Depression
An educational training focused on maternal mental health during and after pregnancy. This session emphasizes early recognition, screening, and connection to culturally appropriate resources.
| | Have a suggestion or an interest in collaborating or being featured in an upcoming newsletter or other communication channel? Contact us for consideration at osginfo@osg.ca.gov. | | | | |
