Maternal mental health has come into focus as a major contributor to the disparities that exist in maternal and infant deaths, in New Jersey and nationwide. CarePlus New Jersey, a mental health-care provider, has created the Maternal and Family Center to provide support that’s often missing.

“Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal death and that is nationwide. So if we’re not addressing maternal mental health, not just the physical, maternal mental health, if we’re not screening, we’re doing a major disservice to not only Black moms but all moms of all colors in New Jersey,” said Melissa Oparaku, vice president of outpatient services at CarePlus NJ.

“About 75% of women struggling with changes in their mental health before, during or after pregnancy do not get treatment,” Oparaku said.

LaDeana Artis, senior director of outpatient services with CarePlus, said a complicated combination of causes — including structural racism and implicit bias — leads to higher rates of illness and lower rates of treatment for Black women.

Patients of the Maternal and Family Center can begin receiving care from the early family planning stages all the way to two years postpartum. If they need care after that, they can be referred to a mental health care provider within the CarePlus system.