The Maternal & Family Center at CarePlus New Jersey will host a free “Empowerment to Wellness” resource event Wednesday to learn from and engage with perinatal mental health professionals, indulge in self-care activities and learn about various resources available to new moms, birthing people, partners and children/families in recognition of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.
Refreshments, a raffle, giveaways and gifts will be offered at the event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 610 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus.
Expectant mothers/birthing people/partners/families, mental health providers, health care professionals, as well as community-based services/programs will have the chance to connect and share resources with a focus providing necessary supports to enhance the overall well-being of families.
Perinatal mental health providers, OB/GYNs, primary care providers, wellness and support professionals, Postpartum Support International and local maternal health resources and community organizations will be in attendance. Families in the planning phase, those who have suffered a loss and/or are in the perinatal period are encouraged to attend.
Kara Kushnir, chair of the PSI New Jersey Chapter, will be featured as a key speaker at the upcoming event. Addressing the theme “You Are Not Alone,” she will discuss the critical role that PSI plays in supporting families affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her presentation will cover the purpose and goals of PSI, highlight the extensive range of services and supports offered by the organization and emphasize the vital advocacy efforts and training opportunities that PSI provides to educate and empower perinatal mental health providers.
“Maternal mental illness ranks as the leading cause of death in pregnant and postpartum women in the United States, accounting for 22.3% of all maternal deaths nationwide,” Melissa Oparaku, vice president of outpatient services at CarePlus NJ, said. “We hope the Maternal and Family Center helps moms step forward into wellness and empowers every mother not to just survive, but to flourish. We want moms to leave our program equipped with everything they need to thrive in their personal and family lives.”
In addition to learning about various community resources and services offered to mothers/birthing people/families, attendees will have the option of engaging in self-care activities, such as a massage and yoga exercises.
Registration is now open. To register for the event, please click here.
