Dr. Laurel Hicks, Celeste St. John-Larkin, MD, Sarah Nagle-Yang, MD
The Renee Crown Wellness Institute is affiliated with the University of Colorado Women’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, which recently received a significant grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Maternal and Child Health. This grant aims to establish and implement a pioneering perinatal psychiatry consultation and access program across Colorado, at a pivotal moment in maternal mental health and wellness.
named prosper (PPostpartum RResources to support you ○Obstetrics Scleaning, Ppsychiatric education, Equite and Referral), this initiative aims to revolutionize the approach of frontline health care providers to perinatal mental health and substance use situations. Practice registration and provider consultation will begin this summer.
The Crown Institute will evaluate the impact of the PROSPER program, focusing on workforce development and perinatal health of Coloradans. Dr. Laurel Hicks, one of the researchers on the project, said: “This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the mental health of mothers across the state. Most importantly, we are targeting more rural and low-resource care settings to provide the latest evidence-based mental health care.” This means we will be able to provide support to patients.”
PROSPER aims to improve the skills and capacity of health professionals to implement universal screening, assessment and treatment in routine obstetric and primary care settings. This is primarily through real-time telephone and e-consultation access to the reproductive psychiatrist and her one-time face-to-face patient consultation to clarify the diagnosis and guidance of treatment at the obstetric or medical facility. It will be realized. The goal is to ensure that all new parents have access to evidence-based mental health support during the perinatal period.
A holistic approach to maternal health
But PROSPER goes beyond screening and treatment. We take a holistic approach to maternal health, including addressing perinatal drug use. The free educational program recognizes the diverse needs of parents across Colorado and promotes health equity. In addition, the Consultation Line is staffed with resources and referral specialists to provide individuals with culturally and linguistically appropriate community-based treatment and support services for both mental health and substance use.
“Recent data continues to show that suicide and unintentional overdose are the leading causes of maternal death in the first year postpartum in Colorado, and are the most common obstetric complications. “The loss of a parent in infancy is huge, given the impact the experience has on future health and mental health, and it impacts entire families and communities,” said Celeste, lead psychiatrist and project director. says St. John Larkin, MD. . “PROSPER provides a lifeline to healthcare workers trying to prevent such tragic outcomes.”
Alma Program: Peer Mentor Support
Additionally, PROSPER includes building community capacity through the training of individuals with lived experience in the Alma program. Developed by Crown Research Institute researchers and community members, it is an eight-week, peer-delivered, evidence-based program that supports new mothers who have experienced mental health issues. Peer mentors provide behavioral activation, provide valuable support to parents facing similar challenges, and foster community and solidarity on the journey to health.
As part of the Statewide Perinatal Psychiatry Access Program (PROSPER), the Crown Institute’s Alma Program partners with community agencies to provide Alma training. This provides a direct introduction to peer support and allows you to build skills within the community.
Importantly, PROSPER works to address health disparities in all communities across the state. Maternal mortality rates are two to three times higher for Coloradans who are: Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women, mothers living in very rural (frontier) counties, and those on Medicaid. Subscriber. PROSPER’s expert panel of health equity psychologists represents those with the greatest maternal health disparities and has thoughtfully informed program development since its inception. This summer, we added a Community Advisory Board to ensure we address the unique needs of our diverse communities and work to uplift those most marginalized and in need.
PROSPER will host a “kickoff” event on May 15th in honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Community stakeholders, including primary care, obstetric or midwifery providers, and mental health care providers, are invited to participate at the Anschutz campus in Aurora. This is a chance to share community perspectives, hopes, and needs and draft website materials and other plans as the team prepares to launch Colorado’s Perinatal Psychiatric Access Program later this summer. This is your opportunity to provide feedback.Click here to confirm your attendance
The PROSPER program is deeply collaborative and supported by numerous partners, including the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC), and the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation-California Health Expectations Perinatal Mental Health Program. I am grateful. Boulder Renee Crown Wellness Institute and Alma Program, Hard Beauty, and various other community-based organizations. Together, we are taking a monumental step toward ensuring the mental health and wellness of parents across Colorado.
To participate or for more information, please email PROSPER@ucdenver.edu.
