Statewide hotline to support mental health during and after pregnancy

Research shows that mental health conditions are the most common complication during the perinatal period, often defined as one year before to a year or two after the birth of a child. One in five people will experience a mental health condition during this time, and people of color, those with lower incomes and LGBTQ individuals are disproportionately affected.

Mental and behavioral health conditions are also a leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. In Arizona, nearly half of all pregnancy-associated deaths are due to mental health or substance use issues, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, and an estimated 98% of those deaths are preventable.

Kalia and Dr. Kathryn Emerick, also a perinatal psychiatrist at the University of Arizona, are teaming up to address the problem.

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