Advocates say out of every five Arizona moms, at least one isn’t getting the needed care or social support during and after pregnancy.
The AZ Blue Foundation will be accepting applications from local nonprofits that support mental health care for new and expectant mothers in the state.
Paul Penzone with Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona said while the $100,000 grant is relatively new, the work it will support isn’t. But he said that it’s more needed than ever.
“We're in front of the issue, we're trying to identify health issues, we're trying to identify health issues, we're trying to identify health and mental health challenges,” Penzone said. “And we're trying to meet you where you are to solve that problem before it becomes so significant that you can't overcome it.”
Penzone said the goal is specifically to reduce the number of deaths linked to mental health conditions.
“Ninety percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Arizona are considered preventable,” he said. “And the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Arizona is related to mental health conditions.”
The money will be distributed in June. No matter which organization receives the support, Penzone says he wants new parents to know help is out there.
“Know that you are in a community of others challenged by similar circumstances in need of support and love,” said Penzone, “And it's there for you. This particular grant defines that.”
Applications will open at the end of March.
