Project: Pregnancy-Related Depression & Anxiety Public Awareness Campaign
Organization: Colorado Department of Public
Health and Envrionment (CDPHE)
Location of Messaging: Statewide
The building blocks of a healthy pregnancy and birth consist of emotional and mental health as well as physical health care. The benefits of maternal wellness during and after pregnancy include a high quality of life and maternal functioning for mothers, babies being born on time and with healthy weights, strong mother-baby attachment; and healthy, happy and productive families. Good mental health in pregnant women and new mothers also promotes young children’s development, healthy social relationships, and success in school and life!
Pregnancy-related depression and anxiety are the most common complications of pregnancy, affecting about one in seven women nationally. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a digital public awareness campaign in October 2016, in partnership with Postpartum Support International, to help women recognize the symptoms and get help.
To learn more about the campaign, check out this webinar featuring key campaign concepts and creative content, as well as resources and best practices to implement the campaign in local communities. Colorado-specific resources for new and expectant mothers are available in the community partner toolkit. Women affected by pregnancy-related depression and anxiety are being encouraged to contact Postpartum Support International Colorado coordinators for free help in both English and Spanish at 1-800-944-4773.
The campaign is being piloted in five communities (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver and Larimer counties) and efforts to be expanded in 2017.
Collateral Materials:
CDPHE Pregnancy-Related Depression and Anxiety Public Awareness Campaign
Colorado Campaign via Postpartum Support International
Campaign contacts:
• General campaign information: Phuonglan.Nguyen@state.co.us, 303-691-7810.
• Press and media inquiries: Dave.Brendsel@state.co.us, 303-692-2156.
• Merritt + Grace: hello@merrittandgrace.com, 720-278-9860 (Allison Hastey) or 303-435-1139 (Frances Tourtelot).