Over 12,000 Calls and Texts Received by National Maternal Mental Health Hotline in First Year

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, launched last Mother's Day, has received over 12,000 calls and texts in its first year, with a surge in January after a Massachusetts mother allegedly killed her children. The hotline provides support before, during, and after pregnancy and is staffed by nurses, doulas, and lactation consultants. The top reasons for calls were depression, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. The hotline is part of Vice President Kamala Harris' effort to improve maternal health and equity in the US, which has the highest maternal mortality rate among wealthy industrialized countries.