Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson have announced the first Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) program in New York State.
According to a press release, the program is intended to train healthcare, mental health, early intervention, and early education professionals to support pregnant women and birthing parents who are experiencing mental distress.
The new program, developed in collaboration with Borough President Reynoso and Brooklyn College, incorporated feedback from Reynoso’s Maternal Health Task Force. Brooklyn College will pilot two PMH courses this spring, with the full program scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.
The year-long certificate program, which includes 120 in-person clinical hours, aims to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to high-quality, comprehensive, and preventative care.
“Mental health is currently the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in New York City. That is unacceptable, and we can and should solve it,” Reynoso said.
“Brooklyn College’s Perinatal Mental Health program will be an important piece of the puzzle, and I am grateful for their support in making Brooklyn the safest borough in the city to have a baby. I can’t wait for students to start this incredible program and use their knowledge to care for our borough’s new and expecting parents.”
Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson praised the initiative and its impact, saying, “We are thrilled to develop this innovative curriculum, which seamlessly combines academic excellence with tangible, real-world impact.” This initiative demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, community-based education and training that truly makes a difference.”
Dr. Wendy Wilcox, co-chair of Borough President Reynoso’s maternal health task force and chief women’s health officer at New York City Health and Hospitals’ Office of Medical and Professional Affairs, said the initiative established Brooklyn as a leader in the fight against maternal mortality.
“As New York City seeks solutions to address the maternal mortality crisis, it is imperative we equip professionals with the most up to date and innovative tools to use in the field when supporting pregnant mothers and birthing parents experiencing mental distress,” according to Wilcox.
“As a physician and Chair of the Maternal Health Task Force, supporting development of a first of its kind program in the State provides the opportunity for New York City to be a leader in the fight to reduce maternal mortality and set a standard for culturally competent, high quality care in the maternal health space.”
