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.

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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

  • SACMMHC

    The final Wednesday of each month

    9:30 am - 10:30 AM

    The Collaborative meets monthly on the last Wednesday of each month to foster ongoing connection and progress. These gatherings provide a space for stakeholders, including mothers with lived experience and healthcare professionals, to exchange insights, share updates, and collaborate on initiatives. By coming together regularly, we strengthen our efforts to improve awareness, prevention, detection, and treatment of maternal mental health conditions in Sacramento County.

Agenda

  • Co Chair

  • Founding Co-Chair

  • Co Chair