Res. No. 444
Resolution calling on each institution within the State University of New York and the City University of New York, with a Master of Social Work program, to offer a maternal mental health elective course
By Council Members Lee and Louis
Whereas, According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of maternal death in the United States in mental health, impacting 1 in 5 US women; and
Whereas, People of color have an increased risk for maternal mental health disorders, with up to 30% of American Indians and Alaska Natives and 40% of Black and Latina mothers suffering from postpartum depression; and
Whereas, 75% of women experiencing maternal mental health conditions do not get the care needed for recovery; and
Whereas, The cost of not treating maternal mental health conditions is estimated to be $32,000 per mother-infant pair totaling $14.2 billion nationally; and
Whereas, According to a 2025 report from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, 84% of birthing-age women live in maternal mental health resource shortage areas, with Kings and Queens counties identified as two of the counties with the lowest resources in the country; and
Whereas, Licensed specialists with training in treating a broad span of mental health conditions in the perinatal and postpartum period, known as perinatal mental health-certified professionals (PMH-Cs), are an evidence-backed, proven intervention; and
Whereas, The desperate need for PMH-C providers necessitates a strategic workforce expansion to address the growing crisis; and
Whereas, According to the 2025 report from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, an estimated 315 providers are needed to fill these gaps in New York City; and
Whereas, Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work offers a dedicated maternal mental health elective; and
Whereas, The course provides comprehensive training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, equipping students to apply best practices in screening, referral, and treatment; and
Whereas, New York State has 10 Master of Social Work programs within the State University of New York and the City University of New York public university system, but only Hunter College offers this course; and
Whereas, Requiring all CUNY and SUNY Master of Social Work programs to offer a maternal mental health elective is a practical, scalable strategy to strengthen the workforce, expand access to specialized care, and advance health equity across the state; now, therefore, be it,
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on each institution within the State University of New York and the City University of New York, with a Master of Social Work program, to offer a maternal mental health elective course.
KS
LS 20957
1/29/2026 11:00am