Today is National Depression Screening Day: Ouma Health's Commitment to Perinatal Mental Health

Medically reviewed by Sina Haeri, MD, MHSA, maternal-fetal medicine physician.

Today is National Depression Screening Day, a moment dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health screening and timely intervention. At Ouma Health, we deeply understand the toll that depression and anxiety can take on expectant and new mothers, a group often underserved and overlooked in our healthcare system.

We are committed to using technology and relationship-based care to provide compassionate and effective mental health support for this vulnerable population. In addition to our core services like Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) consults, pregnancy and postpartum visits, and lactation support, we aim to ensure mental health care becomes an integral part of perinatal health.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of childbirth, and alarmingly, suicide is one of the leading causes of postpartum deaths.

National Depression Screening Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for early identification and intervention in mental health. In a system that too often allows expectant and new mothers to fall through the cracks, the need for more proactive care is evident. Yet, despite these significant risks, up to 69% of postpartum depression cases go undetected, and only a fraction receive evidence-based treatment. Ouma Health is dedicated to changing this narrative and improving outcomes for mothers and their families.

A Pioneering Approach

Our team exemplifies an innovative approach to maternal healthcare every day. Under thoughtful leadership, Ouma Health is transforming maternal health outcomes by leveraging cutting-edge technology alongside fostering meaningful patient-provider relationships.

• Universal Screening: At Ouma Health, we screen 100% of our patients using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
• Telehealth Visits: We offer face-to-face telehealth appointments conducted by our team of psychiatric nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and MFM specialists.
• Enhancing Communication and Rapport: Our model of care strengthens the patient-clinician relationship, ensuring that every woman feels seen and heard.
• Comprehensive Support Network: Our robust network of maternal health experts collaborates to address each individual's unique situation.
• Innovative Solutions for Superior Outcomes: By combining advanced technology with personalized, compassionate care, Ouma Health delivers superior mental health outcomes.

This National Depression Screening Day, Ouma Health reaffirms its commitment to serving the perinatal population with innovative solutions and compassionate care.

If you are a health system, MCO, or FQHC, and looking for a partner who understands the importance of comprehensive maternal healthcare, we invite you to connect with us.