MOMS Orange County Receives $350K to Address Maternal Mental Health

Many new and expectant parents are experiencing stress, isolation and anxiety like never before. Low-income creates further disparity. To provide added supports and access to professional care, the UniHealth Foundation has awarded MOMS Orange County a three-year, $350,000 grant to expand maternal mental health programming.

“The continued uncertainty of the pandemic has increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Becoming a new parent is one of the most joyous moments in life and UniHealth Foundation wants to support new families in this exciting journey during these trying times,” said Jennifer Vanore, PhD, President & COO of UniHealth Foundation. “By investing in supports for new parents, we hope to reduce the long-term negative impact of this pandemic on future generations.”

Funding from the UniHealth Foundation will expand bilingual group health programming that emphasizes wellness for new moms and new dads, additional home visitation for new moms experiencing anxiety and depression, and specialized one-on-one education and support for victims/survivors of domestic violence. It also provides direct access to licensed mental health care for expecting or new parents who otherwise would have barriers to accessing such services.

“We are incredibly grateful to the UniHealth Foundation for partnering with us to support these critical issues surrounding the mental health of new and expecting parents” said MOMS Orange County CEO David Lugo. “Life has become significantly more stressful and difficult for new parents,” he added. “These expanded services will help them build a community of support to cope and care for themselves, which ultimately helps the entire family.”

About UniHealth Foundation                                                                                             

UniHealth Foundation supports and facilitates activities that significantly improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Their grantmaking vision is focused on the areas of population & community health, healthcare delivery systems and healthcare workforce.