Vision and Services
The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health of Lancaster County (PPMHLC) Fund is now our Maternal Mental Wellness Program! The fund was a grassroots effort by parents and mental health providers, including to help train medical providers to diagnose and refer patients with perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety disorders.
This fund was created in 2018 by the partnership of LOHF, Keystone State Doula Services (KSDS), and Move Forward Counseling. More recently, we have partnered with Patients R Waiting, to support the Diversifying Doulas program. We are also advocating for policy changes in Pennsylvania to recognize doula services as medical and mental health care.
Vision for Maternal Mental Wellness Program
- To provide financial assistance to patients experiencing a perinatal mood disorder to seek counseling services but cannot afford it.
2. To provide postpartum doula support services to patients experiencing a perinatal mood disorder who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
3. To train medical providers (including, but not limited to, family doctors, pediatricians, mental health professionals, OB/GYNs, doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, etc.) to screen and treat pregnant and postpartum patients for mood disorders.
To date, we have provided two Continuing Medical Education trainings and two access grants to Patients R Waiting for the Diversifying Doula program. We plan to expand to improve maternal mental wellness, raise awareness, connect patients to care, and eliminate racial disparities in mental healthcare services.
As our work in Maternal Mental Wellness evolves and expands, we are interested in hearing from you about Lancaster County needs and opportunities. Please contact us with your ideas and suggestions.
Current services
Moms Supporting Moms Group
This free online support group is facilitated by LOHF and Mental Health America of Lancaster County, providing support for parents experiencing postpartum depression/anxiety. Online, the group supports one another in a closed Facebook page. If you would like support, please visit the page and request to join.
Mental Health Copay Assistance
We build awareness of the Mental Health Copay Assistance program so that parents in financial can see licensed mental healthcare professionals for perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety, and any other mental health need.
Training Professionals
We sponsor specific LOHF Continuing Medical Education trainings that equip healthcare professionals to screen and treat pregnant and postpartum patients for mood disorders.
PPMHLC Facebook page
The public PPMHLC Facebook page raises awareness of maternal mental health and offers resources and encouragement.
