An Act establishing a maternal mental health equity grant program

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to support organizations addressing maternal mental health and substance use disorders among pregnant and postpartum individuals. The program prioritizes funding for entities serving medically underserved populations and areas with high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes or significant racial disparities. Grant recipients must use the funds to integrate mental health services into primary care, expand prenatal and postpartum programs, provide addiction treatment referrals, and reduce stigma associated with these conditions. Eligible organizations include community-based groups, non-profits, maternity care providers, and public health agencies that offer culturally congruent care.