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Greater Sacramento (Dignity Health) 2 minute read

Dignity Health Launches Innovative Maternal Mental Health Pilot Program

New Initiative Embeds Mental Health Support Directly into OB Care, Demonstrating Significant Positive Impact on Patient Well-being
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Sacramento, Calif. – Dignity Health is proud to announce the successful launch of its Maternal Mental Health Community Health Worker (CHW) Pilot Program. In collaboration with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, this innovative initiative is now underway at Dignity Health Woodland Clinic and Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group – Midtown OB departments, already delivering measurable, potentially life-saving outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women in the region.

"Our primary objective is to significantly improve mental health screening, referrals and treatment for pregnant and postpartum women," said Natalie Bulock, DO, Chair of Women and Children's Services with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group. "By embedding dedicated support directly within routine OB care, we're meeting women where they are, and our early results clearly demonstrate we're enhancing the overall well-being of our patients."

Addressing a Critical Need

The numbers underscore the urgency of this initiative:

  • 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health disorder.

  • 50–70% of women with maternal depression remain unidentified or undiagnosed.

  • Suicide and overdose are among the leading causes of death in the first year postpartum, with 100% of these deaths deemed preventable.

Rather than relying on patients to navigate complex behavioral health systems independently, CHWs provide early screening, compassionate one-on-one support, and direct connections to vital mental health resources throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

Early Results: Significant Impact in Just Six Months

Though the pilot launched in October 2025, results through March 2026 are already demonstrating promising progress:

  • Over 400 maternal mental health screenings were conducted. Of these, 27% of mothers screened were identified as at risk, and critically, 3% were identified as at-risk for self-harm, enabling early crisis intervention.

  • Dramatic increase in screening frequency, expanding from twice during pregnancy and postpartum to at least three screenings during pregnancy and two screenings postpartum.

  • More than 200 mothers referred to CHWs for follow-up support, including education, community resources and behavioral healthcare referrals.

  • 100% of referred patients received interventions, with treatment plan rates at 32% — more than double the national average of 15% for comparable programs.

  • Documented "good catches" – real-world examples of high-risk patients identified and supported before a potential crisis could occur.

"These early outcomes underscore the profound impact of integrating mental health support directly into obstetrical care," said Dr. Bulock. "We are empowering women with the resources they need for a healthier pregnancy and postpartum journey."