The Perinatal Wellness Task Force is coordinated by the California Perinatal Hub, with FCHIP serving as a key partner in convening stakeholders and organizations across the region. Together, the Perinatal Wellness Task Force leads a collaborative initiative addressing a critical public health issue affecting one in five birthing people and one in ten birth partners.

We work to elevate awareness, promote solutions, and support systems that prioritize the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of perinatal families, because thriving parents lead to thriving children.

Our task force brings together healthcare providers, community organizations, and advocates committed to improving outcomes through early intervention and comprehensive support.

PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The task force supports community efforts to strengthen early identification of perinatal mental health complications through integrated care models and evidence-based interventions.

We raise awareness of maternal and paternal mental health challenges, as well as suicide prevention, through:

  • Promoting cross-sector collaboration
  • Elevating research and best practices
  • Informing policy development
  • Advocating for streamlined data collection to strengthen prevention strategies

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

We support the development of training programs for health care providers, doulas, and community health workers (CHWs) that center on perinatal mental health, suicide prevention, and perinatal substance misuse.

These trainings emphasize

Early recognition of mental health symptoms

Trauma-informed practices and interventions

Culturally responsive care approaches

Building professional confidence in supporting families

SOCIAL CONNECTION

The Task force elevates the importance of peer support and community-based networks to reduce isolation and improve perinatal well-being. This includes recognizing and uplifting the vital roles of CHWs and doulas, trusted professionals who:

  • Build bridges between families and care systems
  • Offer emotional and practical support
  • Help navigate complex health and social services
  • Provide culturally responsive care

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

As a community, we champion initiatives that strengthen the perinatal health workforce, including recruitment, retention, and career advancement opportunities for culturally competent professionals. Our goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled providers who reflect and serve the communities most impacted by perinatal health disparities.

ACCESS TO CARE

Our Task force will work to identify barriers and promote policies that expand equitable access to perinatal health services across diverse communities. This includes advocating for:

  • Integrated care systems
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage
  • Culturally appropriate services
  • Reduced barriers to quality care

SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCES

We advocate for care models that prioritize safety, dignity, and trauma-informed practices for birthing people. Our work supports system-level improvements that reduce harm, promote respectful care, and ensure accountability across health care settings.

EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

If you or someone you know is experiencing a perinatal mental health crisis (such as thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others) please seek help immediately.

For non-emergency support, consider reaching out to:

  • FCHIP
  • California Perinatal Hub
  • Department of Behavioral Health, Perinatal Wellness
  • A trusted health care provider

Call 911 if there is an immediate danger.

MEETING SCHEDULE

The task force meets on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of November and December.

Contact

Dr. Alexandra Addo-Boateng
California Perinatal Hub
alexandra@californiaperinatalhub.com

RESOURCES