Maryland Receives ‘C’ in Maternal Mental Health Report, Advocates Call for Action
Maryland has received a ‘C’ grade in the newly released 2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card, positioning it slightly above the national average of C-. Despite this, health advocates warn that Maryland has stagnated while 26 other states improved their ratings. Caitlin Murphy, a researcher on the report, acknowledged Maryland’s progress but emphasized the need for increased mental health screenings to boost next year’s score.
This year, five states earned B grades, while 27 received C grades, indicating overall improvement in maternal mental health policies across the U.S., which rose from a D+ to C-. Key areas for improvement in Maryland include mandatory data collection on mental health screenings, particularly for Medicaid health plans. Mental Health Association of Maryland’s Dan Martin highlighted that effective screening can significantly improve recovery rates for mothers, benefiting their children and families.
Maryland’s health department reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the mental and emotional health of women. However, concerns loom over potential federal cuts to Medicaid, which could jeopardize progress in maternal health services. As interest in maternal mental health increases, advocates urge for ongoing support to address these critical gaps.
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