MVBCN’s Post-Partum Depression project was started in 2000 and offers community-wide screening and mood management skills training classes for women at high risk. The model is based on work by Ricardo Munoz, Ph.D., in which he has shown the effectiveness of a
Coping with Depression course in reducing the incidence of depression in a variety of at-risk populations.
Screening is done by maternal/infant, social service and medical services staff following extensive community education efforts. The screening tool is based on the
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, slightly modified for American use. Women are offered a series of cognitive-behavioral modules provided in groups, which have been particularly successful with Latinas. Currently classes are underway in Spanish in three counties. Fidelity is addressed by use of a curriculum adapted from that developed by Dr. Munoz for low-income pregnant women. The outcomes measure is the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, which is administered as a pre-test and following the completion of each module. Outcomes over the last 6 years have consistently shown significant reductions in levels of depression among women participating in classes. This year 16 class series have been funded with the goal of serving 166 Latina mothers.
Last year we began funding an additional Postpartum Prevention program which is based on the curriculum “Life with a New Baby in the Home” (Zlotnic, Johnson and Johnson). Nine series are planned for this year with the goal of serving 63 English-speaking mothers.
To make referrals or request information about local classes, contact local project staff:
