Prenatal/Postpartum Behavioral Health Network (PPBH)
Why It's Important
The Prenatal/Postpartum Behavioral Health (PPBH) Network aims to promote behavioral wellness in the prenatal, postpartum, and inter-conception periods for Baltimore City families. This is in service of BHB’s overall mission to reduce infant morbidity and mortality, deter child abuse and neglect, and improve kindergarten readiness. The PPBH Network houses BHB’s priority health areas of substance use and mental health.
How It Works
The PPBH Network meets monthly for learning, networking, and strategic planning opportunities. Many partners collaborate more frequently on specific topics, projects, or events. We currently prioritize the issues of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and fetal and infant tobacco/nicotine exposure. Knowing that these public health problems don’t exist in a vacuum, we strive to address each issue on individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy levels.
What the Coalition is Doing
BHB’s PPBH Network replaced the Preventing Substance-Exposed Pregnancies (PSEP) Coalition (2012-2019) beginning in fiscal year 2020.
Who is at the Table
Advocates for Children and Youth • Baltimore City Department of Social Services • Baltimore City Health Department • Baltimore Medical System • Behavioral Health System Baltimore • Family League of Baltimore • Family Recovery Programs, Inc. • Gaudenzia – Park Heights • Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (various departments and centers) • Johns Hopkins University (various schools) • LIGHT Health & Wellness • Maryland Department of Health • Maryland Department of Social Services • MD Quitting Use and Initiation of Tobacco (MDQuit) Resource Center • NARAL Pro Choice Maryland • Planned Parenthood of Maryland • Recovery Network • University of Maryland Medical Center (various departments) • University of Maryland, Baltimore (various schools and centers)