Maternal Mental Health and Immigrant and Refugee Women, Parents and Communities

Pregnant and parenting immigrant, migrant, and refugee women are navigating a landscape marked by uncertainty, fear, and systemic exclusion—conditions that profoundly affect their physical and mental health during the perinatal and postpartum periods and throughout their lifespan. Amid increasingly punitive immigration policies, including family separation, detention, and deportation without due process, these women and their families face extraordinary challenges that endanger their mental health and wellbeing and that of their children. Compounding these harms are policy barriers such as the public charge rule, attacks on birthright citizenship, and exclusion from health coverage and other vital services. These stressors contribute to a growing but under-recognized crisis in maternal mental health, with long-term consequences for families and communities.

This webinar will examine the intersection of immigration and other policies impacting immigrants and maternal mental health, drawing attention to both the systemic drivers of harm and the assets and resilience of the communities affected. Funders will learn about the need for greater investments in research, on-the-ground programs working to support women and families, and the critical role philanthropy can play in addressing unmet needs, advancing equity, and taking action to improve maternal mental health and family wellbeing in immigrant and refugee communities.

Panelists Include: 

• Marissa Tirona, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (Moderator)
• Wendy Cervantes & Suma Setty, Center for Law and Social Policy
• Christina Collazo, Todos Juntos Learning Center (Texas)
• Mireya Reith, Arkansas United