Sacramento Maternal Mental Health Collaborative
Role of the Collaborative
Sacramento Maternal Mental Health Collaborative (SACMMHC) is a community-driven effort that acknowledges the need to ensure that every woman in Sacramento receives information on risk, prevention, and treatment of pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
We bring together mothers with lived experience, healthcare organizations, managed care plans (MCPs), community leaders, advocates, and service providers to identify gaps, create solutions, and ensure that all mothers receive the mental health support they need.
The Collaborative functions to exchange ideas and form relationships to increase and improve awareness, prevention, detection, and treatment of maternal mental health conditions in Sacramento County.
The Collaborative developed a Report of Recommendations to guide priorities and activities that advance the Collaborative’s Mission and Vision.
Purpose
The goal of the Sacramento Maternal Mental Health Collaborative (SMMHC) is to increase the knowledge of parents, health and mental health care providers, policymakers, community organizations for maternal and child well-being, and other stakeholders regarding maternal mental health conditions and resources.
VISION STATEMENT
Sacramento County systematically prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of the mother-baby dyad with cultural sensitivity so that our families, communities, and economy may thrive.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Sacramento Maternal Mental Health Collaborative works to develop and maintain an equitable system of prevention, identification, and treatment services addressing the full spectrum of maternal mental health conditions in Sacramento County.
If you have any questions, please email SacMMH@saccounty.net.
Jessica and her daughter, Kira.
SACMMHC was founded in response to a critical gap in perinatal mental health care.
The initiative was sparked when a Sacramento mother, Jessica Porten, shared her experience on Facebook about seeking mental health support—only to be escorted to the ER by police without receiving adequate resources or follow-up care. Her story went viral, igniting community-wide advocacy and highlighting systemic failures in maternal mental health care.
This momentum led to the formation of SACMMHC as a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers to drive meaningful improvements in the maternal mental health system.
Related Articles:
NPR: "Nurse Calls Cops After Woman Seeks Help for Postpartum Depression – Was It the Right Call?"
CBS News: "Sacramento Mother Shocked After Seeking Help for Postpartum Depression"
USC Center for Health Journalism: "Q&A: Jessica Porten Had Cops Called on Her After Seeking Help for Depression—Now She’s Fighting for Change"
Good Housekeeping: "Jessica Porten’s Postpartum Depression Story Sparks National Conversation"
Creating Solutions & Strategies to Enhance Maternal Mental Health Care
The collaborative is committed to identifying and implementing solutions that strengthen support for maternal mental health. A key focus is ensuring that maternal mental health screenings are not only conducted but also followed by a clear and effective pathway for follow-up care.
Strengthening the Continuum of Care
Enhancing referral systems to connect mothers with the appropriate mental health resources.
Addressing gaps in service accessibility, provider networks, and culturally responsive care.
Monitoring data and measuring outcomes to ensure mothers receive the necessary follow-up support.
Demonstrating progress in service delivery and effectiveness supported by data collection, reinforcing commitment to tracking screenings, referrals, and outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
Meeting Calendar
Agenda
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Co Chair
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Founding Co-Chair
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Co Chair