There is more to our story. Real experiences from Ohio mothers, in their own words.

About

About the Task Force

A more connected, compassionate Ohio for mothers and families. We bring people together to advance understanding, expand access, and improve perinatal behavioral health outcomes across our state.

Join Our Community

Who We Are

The Ohio Perinatal Behavioral Health Task Force is a statewide collaborative of more than 600 providers, community organizations, researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience. We are housed at Mental Health America of Ohio through its POEM program and funded by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.

A mother holding her sleeping baby near a window

Our Purpose

The Ohio Perinatal Behavioral Health Task Force brings together providers, community organizations, researchers, advocates, and people with personal experience to strengthen Ohio's response to the behavioral health needs of pregnant and postpartum women and their families.

Together, we work to increase awareness and understanding, improve access to appropriate support and care, strengthen connections among systems and communities, and advance solutions that make a meaningful difference for Ohio families.

What We're Working Toward

Ohio is a state where perinatal behavioral health is understood, talked about openly, and met with timely, appropriate support and care.

Operating Principles

Mothers at the center

We design our work around the needs, voices, and lived experiences of mothers and families.

Lived experience leads

We value and elevate lived experience as essential to our work.

Coordinated, not duplicated

We align efforts, build on what works, and strengthen connections across systems.

A screening is a start

Screening opens the door to conversation, support, and care.

Plain language, always

We communicate in clear, respectful, and accessible ways.

Structure

How We're Organized

Leadership for the Task Force includes an Advisory Committee and three Action Teams. The Advisory Committee includes Team Chairs and other members who help guide planning, strategy, and partnerships.

Data, Research and Evaluation Team

Collects, assesses, and shapes the information and insights that tell us where to invest and what to deliver.

Public Awareness Team

Maintains a steady drumbeat of campaigns and lived-experience storytelling for the public, providers, and partners.

Screening & Care Continuum Team

Targets awareness and outreach at the critical moments in the care continuum, and advances coordination and provider practice.

There is more to the story. And more work to do.

Together, we can create a healthier, more hopeful future for mothers, families, and communities across Ohio.

Join Our Community