2024 National Perinatal Mental Health Symposium: Highlights and Insights
On October 29th, 2024, the second National Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) Symposium brought together over 125 diverse stakeholders to advance conversations on a critical issue: supporting the mental health of pregnant and new parents. The event aimed to inspire cross-sector collaboration and encourage transformative solutions to perinatal mental health challenges, reaffirming that progress in this area is both essential and achievable.
Event Highlights
Broad Participation: Over 125 participants joined from various sectors, including philanthropy, private industry, clinicians, grassroots organizations, researchers, individuals with lived experience, and government
Diverse Voices: 24 speakers led dynamic conversations through four panels and one keynote session, offering expertise from across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and beyond
Keynote Address: Dr. Alain Gregoire, founder of the UK and Global Maternal Mental Health Alliances, highlighted the urgency of investing in perinatal mental health and leveraging cross-sector collaboration to drive national impact
Panel Topics: Conversations ranged from women’s mental health investment and equity in perinatal care to technology-driven innovations and policy lessons from the U.S.
Key Insights
The discussions throughout the day underscored multiple essential themes, such as:
Equitable Access to Care: Access to mental health support for pregnant and new parents remains unequal. Marginalized and low-income populations are particularly underserved. Equitable access must be a cornerstone goal
Reasons for Optimism: With effective implementation and scaling up of evidence-informed programs and supports, those facing perinatal mental health struggles can find meaningful help
Learning from Others: Lessons learned can be drawn from countries such as Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. to inform efforts here at home
Collaboration is Key: Medical professionals, policymakers, funders, grassroots organizations, and others must work together to create sustainable change. Every stakeholder has a crucial role to play
Central Role of Perinatal Mental Health: The mental health of mothers and birthing people profoundly influences their family’s well-being. Prioritizing this is vital to building thriving societies.
Panel Discussions
Panel 1: Prioritizing Women’s Mental Health – Cross-Sectoral Perspectives
Speakers explored the importance of collaborative approaches to prioritizing women’s mental health.
Panel 2: Equity & Discrimination in PMH – Insights & Implications
This discussion addressed systemic inequities in care, featuring voices from professionals and people with lived experience working to close gaps for marginalized populations.
Panel 3: Thinking Outside the Box – Big Ideas for Improving PMH
Innovative solutions, from digital platforms like Momwell to province-specific initiatives like the Newfoundland PMH Alliance, were discussed alongside social impact strategies from the private sector.
Panel 4: Advancing PMH at a Policy and Systems Level – Lessons from the U.S.
U.S.-based experts shared valuable lessons on scaling maternal mental health programs and advocating for policy changes.
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As we reflect on the symposium, one thing is clear: advancing perinatal mental health requires collective action. Together, we can continue to make strides toward a brighter, healthier future for mothers, families, and communities.