JFS { New Moms Connect at the Capitol

As Coordinator of the JFS { New Moms Connect program, Gabrielle Kaufman is responsible for helping new mothers and their families work through obstacles related to postpartum depression in order to lead happy and healthy lives. Today, she shares her experience at the Maternal Depression Press Conference.

Yesterday, I was honored to join the Junior League of California, California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative, the California Legislative Women's Caucus, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force and Assemblyman Roger Hernandez at the Sacramento Capitol Building to join the Maternal Depression Press Conference.

The conference brought together leaders from all across the country to present on emerging treatment models and best practices for maternal mental health in the Capitol Assembly Room. Of the model programs presented, USC-Eisner Family Medicine New Family Care Team was presented by Brian Prestwich, MD and Emily Dossett, MD. It was very exciting to be identified as a key member of this New Family Care Team. Other innovative programs were presented and I approached the microphone to introduce myself as a representative of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles and asked about the ways in which programs address cultural competency.

At the networking luncheon, I had the opportunity to present JFS { New Moms Connect as a model for programs based in a social service home staffed by a team of volunteers, an example of low cost intervention for maternal mental health. I am glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this historic day in Sacramento!

The USC-Eisner team and the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force
From left: Carol Berkowitz, MD (prior director of the American Academy of Pediatrics), Caron Post, PhD (Executive Director LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force), Michelle Farmer, OTD (Eisner/USC), Lisa Osborn, PsyD (Founder, Ivy and Osborn), Brian Prestwich, MD (Chief Medical Officer, Dept. of Family Medicine USC/Eisner), Kimberly Wong, JD (Founder LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force), Emily Dossett, MD (USC-LAC Maternal Wellness Center), Ellie Berkowitz Handler and baby Levi (Survivor of PPD), Gabrielle Kaufman, MA, BC-DMT,NCC (JFSLA - New Moms Connect), Diana Lynn Barnes, PsyD, MFT (Postpartum Health)




To learn more about JFS { New Moms Connect, please click here.