Mental Health America of Ohio conducts the POEM (Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement for Moms) program, which closes gaps in care for pregnant and early parenting people with mental health complications. Through care navigation layered with certified peer support, POEM serves as a single-entry point of care, providing mental and emotional care through the prenatal period. The entire program staff are comprised of peers, which supports a trauma-informed model grounded in connection and lived experience. POEM focuses on providing support to those who face the greatest barriers in access. Relationships with participants and community partners help to identify barriers to treatment faced by those seeking mental health services and provide access to important resources. In recognition of both the significance of Black care professionals, and the space to acknowledge that racism and discrimination are drivers of mental and overall health, POEM's Rise branch provides all program services exclusively by and for Black and African American mothers/birthing persons.
