4/25/13 - Amy Olson Receives Community Service Award from MotherWoman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

Contact –   Liz Friedman, Program Director, MotherWoman

                    Office: 413-387-0703    
                    Cell: 413-658-8231                        
                    liz@motherwoman.org

AMY OLSON RECEIVES COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FROM MOTHERWOMAN

Hadley, MA – April 25, 2013

MotherWoman, a regional non-profit serving mothers, is proud to announce that MotherWoman’s annual Community Service Award will be awarded to Amy Olson, Clinical Director of Clinical and Support Options in Franklin County.  Ms. Olson is one of the primary leaders of the Franklin Perinatal Support Coalition (FCPSC), and has been instrumental in addressing issues of perinatal emotional complications, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, in Franklin County. 

Ms. Olson has worked tirelessly to ensure that women who are experiencing the effects of postpartum depression, domestic violence, and addictions are not only supported, but have an entire network of support wrapped around them to ensure their well-being, safety and health, and that of their families. 

Working in partnership with other providers in Franklin County, Ms. Olson has seen to it that women in Franklin County have the resources they need, and that providers who serve pregnant and postpartum mothers have the training necessary to succeed in screening and treating women with perinatal emotional complications.  Ms. Olson has offered strategic leadership in the development of a Postpartum Support Group for mothers in Franklin County.  Thanks in large part to Ms. Olson’s leadership, the FCPSC has transformed the Franklin County Community in terms of how the professional community serves families during the vulnerable months leading up to the birth of a child and in the years following.  The FCPSC has partnered with Primary Care and Pediatric offices, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, and outpatient mental health and crisis teams to support training, early screening, and high quality treatment options across the spectrum of providers.  

This year the FCPSC is focusing their attention on the intersection of pregnancy with domestic violence, sexual assault and addiction. 

Research shows that 10 – 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression (PPD).  These numbers drastically increase when additional risk factors like poverty, domestic violence, addiction and teen pregnancy are taken into consideration. When undiagnosed and untreated, PPD can have severe negative effects on mother, infant and birth outcomes, including low birth weight of infant, and social, emotional and cognitive developmental challenges to babies and children.  This results in an increase in medical expenses, visits to the ER and loss of income to families.  In the 4 county region of western MA there are approximately 9000 births each year.  Therefore there is a minimum of 900 – 1800 women suffering with PPD each year in our region alone. 

Beth Spong, Executive Director of MotherWoman, said, “Amy exemplifies MotherWoman’s vision of community leadership and we couldn’t have picked a better person to receive this award or a better partner to work with.  Amy’s commitment to mothers has been transformative for the larger community.”

Karin Jeffers, Executive Director of Clinical and Support Options said, “Amy provides exceptional personal dedication and a commitment to excellence in bringing communities together at the grassroots level.  A prime example of this is her work on the Franklin County Perinatal Support Coalition.  While it could be said that promoting collaborative relationships in the community is part of her job – she doesn’t do it as a job – she does it as a passion.” 

Linda Jablonski, Assistant Nurse Manager of The Birth Place, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, said, “Amy is passionate about creating a safety net for women in Franklin County.  She never ceases to explore new avenues to be sure that we as a community offer the best care possible.  The Birth Place is grateful to have mental health partners like Amy in our community.”

Amy Olson said, “I am honored to receive this award from MotherWoman although it is not I alone who have led the way for women in Franklin County.  This is truly an award that the entire Franklin County Perinatal Support Coalition deserves.  It has been hand in hand with the other wonderful providers and professionals in Franklin County that we have made such a difference for mothers.” 

Amy will receive the award at MotherWoman’s Annual Breakfast on Wednesday, May 1^st at 8:30am at the Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA. Press is invited to attend. To RSVP contact, Liz Friedman at Liz@motherwoman.org.

About the Franklin County Perinatal Support Coalition:

The Franklin County Perinatal Support Coalition joined together in November 2009 to create a comprehensive safety net for all mothers during the perinatal period, and is part of the Western MA Perinatal Support Coalition Network. These regional coalitions each implement the Community-Based Perinatal Support Model (CPSM) in partnership with MotherWoman. The goal of the CPSM is to address the public health challenges of perinatal emotional complications like postpartum depression and anxiety through coordinated efforts across multi-disciplinary approaches to care. Through a sequencing of the following interventions -- public education, professional training, resource and triage protocols, support groups and universal screening – the CPSM allows communities to meet the challenge of addressing the critical public health crisis of perinatal mood disorders. Each coalition does this through coordinated community-wide protocols and interventions. The MA PPD Commission, which is a governor-appointed commission mandated in the Postpartum Depression Law of 2010, is investigating this model further and is interested in replicating it state-wide.

6 goals set and accomplished over the last 2 years:

1. Established a local weekly free support group run by MotherWoman trained facilitators; free childcare provided

2. Developed a Resource and Referral Guide for mothers seeking emotional help during pregnancy and postpartum

3. Developed and implemented a comprehensive screening program to include prenatal through the first year postpartum.

4. Developed triage protocols

5. Offered ongoing professional training for all providers in Franklin County

6. Established same day access and urgent psychiatry appointments for women with perinatal emotional complications at CSO’s Outpatient Clinic

About MotherWoman:

MotherWoman serves mothers and families in all four counties of Western MA in three ways:

• Supporting and Empowering Mothers through MotherWoman support groups and training community leaders and professionals to facilitate groups for mothers across the region.
• Building Community Safety Nets for women and families struggling in the postpartum period by training medical, mental health and social service professionals about postpartum depression and anxiety. They also develop and lead county-based multi-disciplinary coalitions in implementing their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model.
• Impacting Family Policy by engaging mothers, fathers and caregivers in taking action on policies that impact families.

For more information contact:

Liz Friedman

office 413-387-0703

cell 413-658-8231

Liz@motherwoman.org 

2/25/13 MotherWoman to Seek New Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          2/25/2013

Contact – Beth Spong, Executive Director

                    Office: 413-387-0703    
                    Cell: 413-320-2401                        
                    beth@motherwoman.org

MOTHERWOMAN TO SEEK NEW LEADER

Hadley, MA – February 25, 2013- MotherWoman, the rapidly growing regional nonprofit, will begin its search this week for a new leader. After nearly three years as Executive Director, Beth Spong will complete her contract with the organization and return to consulting this summer.  “MotherWoman has a hugely talented team and an outstanding board. We are strong and ready for new leadership. It has been a joy and an honor to serve as Executive Director,” said Spong.

Katie Zobel, President of the Community Foundation of Western MA, and a long time MotherWoman supporter says “Over the last few years, MotherWoman has evolved from a small grassroots organization into a well-respected nonprofit, getting regional and national recognition for their groundbreaking work.  Their next talented leader will have the chance to build on this exceptional foundation and expand their work even further.  I’m looking forward to seeing their next chapter unfold!"  

In 2012 MotherWoman received the MA Nonprofit Network Excellence Award for Advocacy. Their highly regarded team trained over 1200 medical, mental health and social service professionals in Western MA, Boston, Las Vegas, New Jersey, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Guatemala. In addition, Baystate Health awarded the organization a $50,000 grant to begin implementing their leading edge Community-based Perinatal Support Model at a Baystate Health Center in Springfield.  The organization is well-positioned for future growth.

Carla Oleska, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Western MA offered these comments on the upcoming leadership transition, “MotherWoman has grown strategically over the last few years and is now an emerging national leader in the field of support for women and mothers. I’m so thrilled with the ongoing advancement of their mission and programs, and this leadership transition is the next step in MotherWoman’s continued success.” The organization has been a Women’s Fund grantee since 2007.

Spong, a partner in the well-respected fundraising and organizational development firm, RAINMAKER Consulting, began working as a consultant with MotherWoman in early 2008 and became Executive Director in 2010. During  Spong’s tenure the organization has nearly quadrupled in size and its programs are serving tens of thousands more women and families in Western MA and beyond. Spong will step down this summer after her successor is chosen.

About MotherWoman:

MotherWoman serves mothers and families in all four counties of Western MA in three ways:

• Supporting and Empowering Mothers through MotherWoman support  groups and training community leaders and professionals to facilitate groups for mothers across the region.
• Building Community Safety Nets for women and families struggling in the postpartum period by training medical, mental health and social service professionals about postpartum depression and anxiety. They also develop and lead county-based multi-disciplinary coalitions in implementing their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support 
• Impacting Family Policy by engaging mothers, fathers and caregivers in taking action on policies that impact families.

For more information contact:
Beth Spong
office 413-387-0703
cell 413-320-2401
Beth@motherwoman.org

12/18/12 Local Mothers’ Organization Gathers Community for Grieving and Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12 – 18 – 12

Contact:
Annette Cycon
413-387-0703
Annette@motherwoman.org

Local  Mothers’ Organization Gathers Community for Grieving and Action

EVENT: Transforming Sorrow Into Action:  
              A Community Gathering of Solidarity, Support and Song

WHEN: Friday Dec 21, 2012      
               10 am – 11:30 am

WHERE: Edwards Church 
                 297 Main St Northampton, MA

CONTACT PERSON:  Annette Cycon, 413-387-0703, annette@motherwoman.org

In response to the devastating acts of violence which took the lives of 20 innocent children and their brave teachers and principal last Friday, MotherWoman, a local non-profit that supports mothers and families, invites the community to a gathering in which we can express our sorrow, hear from local clergy, find solace in music and take action on behalf of ending gun violence.

Internationally known recording artists, The Nields, and the local women’s choir, WINGS, will lead us in song. There will also be a call to action which will include an opportunity to join together in insisting that our legislators take a stand and lead us in developing a substantive plan to end gun violence in the U.S.

“As a mother I am grieving with the families who lost cherished children and loved ones. MotherWoman wants to bring the community together to share our feelings and transform our grief into action. We need to stop these senseless acts of violence.  This is the MotherWoman way – to gather our community, share honest feelings, draw strength from each other, and take action to create change.” Annette Cycon, Founder of MotherWoman.

Rabbi Nancy Flam will offer a prayer. Other community organizations, such as Safe Passage, The Cooley Dickinson Midwifery Center, The Yoga Sanctuary and the Haydenville Congregational Church are also co-sponsoring this event. More will join in the coming days. This event is free and open to the public.

ABOUT MOTHERWOMAN

MotherWoman’s mission is to serve all mothers and families in Western MA by supporting and empowering mothers, building community safety nets and impacting family policy.  Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director, says “Through our support groups, training programs and political action, we’re working to ensure that every mother has access to the support she needs in her community.”

MotherWoman programs include:

· Mothers Groups - Led by trained facilitators, these support groups offer places to talk openly about the challenges of parenting, gain support and build community.

· Facilitator Training – A 25-hour training which provides diverse community leaders and professionals with the skills needed to offer new MotherWoman Support Groups.

· Community-based Perinatal Support Model – Creates a comprehensive safety net for mothers by building Coalitions of medical, mental health and social service professionals who serve mothers and families in the four counties of Western MA.

· Professional Training – Teaches medical and social service providers about the complex mental health and socio-political factors involved in the crisis of postpartum anxiety and depression.

· Policy and Advocacy – Nonpartisan advocacy program organizes mothers, fathers and caregivers to take action on policy issues impacting families.

10/17/12 Public Education Event: The Impact of Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMDs) on Mothers and the Necessity for Community Response

Name of Event:  Public Education Event: The Impact of Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMDs) on Mothers and the Necessity for Community Response

Date/Time:       Wednesday, October 17, 5:30 -7:00 pm                              

Sponsoring Organization: Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP)             

Place:  Brien Center First Floor Conference Room                              

             333 East Street, Pittsfield, MA

Contact: Valerie Welts, BCSP Member, vmwelts@verizon.net

Description of Event: 

The fourth event in the Public Education Series sponsored by the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention will take place on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Brien Center First Floor Conference Room, 333 East Street, Pittsfield, MA, with a brief reception for attendees at 5:15. The presenter of the evening’s talk will be Liz Friedman,Program Director of MotherWoman, Inc. and founder of the Postpartum Support Initiative. Discussion will follow her talk.

Postpartum depression is the leading complication of childbirth, with postpartum mood disorders (PMDs) impacting 10-20% of all mothers, and up to half of mothers in poverty.Perinatal mood disorders affect mothers' emotional and physical health as well as that of their children. "Although suicide is one of the leading causes of mortality for postpartum mothers in the baby’s first year of life, universal screening, education and treatment are not available to many mothers in Berkshire County," Friedman says. 

The Berkshire County Perinatal Support Coalition (BCPSC) is working to change that, using a model developed by the MotherWoman organization and currently being implemented in Hampshire and Franklin Counties. The Coalition is putting primary steps in place to ensure that mothers receive needed care and treatment. Ms. Friedman will also talk about Postpartum Depression (PPD) legislation in the state, and next steps for the PPD Commission.

All events in the Public Education Series are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.

Description of organization: The mission of the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention is to save lives. Together, we believe we can build resilience in our community, educate the public, and strengthen the response to community need. We are all volunteers from the health sector and law enforcement, educators and students, community organizers, social workers, mental health providers, policy makers, survivors of suicide loss, and concerned citizens. 

1/12/12 Governor Patrick Appoints Local Leaders to State Commission on Postpartum Depression

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1/12/2012

Contact:
Liz Friedman
413-658-8231
Liz@motherwoman.org

Governor Patrick Appoints Local Leaders to State
Commission on Postpartum Depression

When Governor Patrick created the MA Commission on Postpartum Depression (PPD), he wanted to ensure representation from western MA experts who work with mothers.

He appointed two area professionals, Liz Friedman, Program Director of MotherWoman and Donna L. O’Shea, MD, Medical Director of Health New England.

The Commission, co-chaired by Rep. Ellen Story (Amherst) and Senator Thomas M. McGee (Lynn), is charged with making recommendations to the Department of Public Health and the MA State Legislature on advancing best practices regarding PPD screening, treatment and public and professional education. 

MotherWoman is a local non-profit serving Hampshire, Franklin, Berkshire and Hampden Counties. MotherWoman’s Community-based Perinatal Support Model (CPSM) is being implemented throughout the region and is being enthusiastically received by medical providers, mental health clinicians and mothers as an effective way to address the very critical issue of perinatal mood disorders. The nonprofit’s goal is to create a comprehensive safety net for all mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression or other perinatal emotional complications.   

Ms. Friedman, one of the current appointees to the Commission, suffered a severe perinatal emotional crisis after the birth of her first child 9 years ago. Having received little help from her medical and mental health providers, she organized an active support community in Rhode Island for women with similar challenges, and went on to develop MotherWoman’s Perinatal Support Initiative. 

According to Ms. Friedman, “It’s critical that we implement best practices across mental health, medical and early intervention systems in order to provide the essential care that mothers and families need to thrive during the early years of their children’s lives. When mothers thrive, children do better in every way. This is an important public health issue. ”

Dr. O’Shea, a Reproductive Endocrinologist, says, “As a provider of health care for women I have cared for many women with mild to severe postpartum depression and have seen their challenges in getting clinical help and family support.  I hope this Commission will be successful in getting the Commonwealth health care system to expand the tools and treatments for recognition and treatment for its citizens with this diagnosis.”

For more information on the Commission or to schedule an interview on this subject, contact Rep. Ellen Story at Ellen.Story@mahouse.gov

ABOUT PPD: 10 – 25% of mothers experience postpartum depression (PPD).  These numbers drastically increase when additional risk factors like poverty and teen pregnancy are taken into consideration. When undiagnosed and untreated, PPD can have severe negative effects on mother, infant and birth outcomes including low birth weight of infant, depression and anxiety for mother and developmental challenges to newborns.  This results in increased medical expenses and visits to the ER as well as loss of income to families.  In the four county region there are approximately 9000 births each year.  There are a minimum of 900 – 2250 women suffering with PPD each year in our region alone. 

ABOUT MOTHERWOMAN: MotherWoman’s mission is to support and empower mothers to create positive personal and social change for themselves, their families, their communities and the world. MotherWoman also addresses the socio-economic issues facing American mothers by advocating for family-friendly policy.

Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director, says “Through our support groups, training programs and political action, we’re working to ensure that every mother has access to the support she needs in her community.”

MotherWoman programs include:

• Mothers Groups
• Postpartum Support Initiative
• Facilitator Training
• Professional Training
• Policy and Advocacy