The Crown Institute鈥檚 听is stepping up to address the mental health needs of Latina mothers. This culturally responsive, peer-led initiative is designed to meet the unique challenges faced by new and expectant mothers鈥攅specially those in underserved communities.
As we celebrate , it鈥檚 important to recognize the efforts of programs like Alma, which are actively addressing mental health disparities in Latinx communities. In the U.S., untreated perinatal depression and anxiety disproportionately affect women from racial and ethnic minorities, with Latinas being particularly vulnerable. Research shows that up to 52% of Latinas experience perinatal depression.听
In Colorado, of mothers reported heightened mental health distress within the first four months postpartum. Left untreated, these conditions not only impact mothers' well-being but also negatively affect their children's development and mother-infant bonding.听
Bridging the Gap in Perinatal Mental Health for Latinas听
Alma is a research-based, peer-to-peer mentoring program designed to support new and expectant parents experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress. Rooted in care, maternal wisdom, and science, it听leverages community strengths and offers an innovative solution to the shortage of mental health professionals.听
鈥淎lma helped me understand my mother鈥攚hy she was sad. Now I can use that understanding to help other mothers. Alma also taught me how to grieve and heal from my own losses. I want Alma to be available to all mothers, to all women,鈥� shares Maria Isabel Almeida, Alma Spanish-Speaking Peer Mentor.
Since its inception, it has supported more than 400 mothers, in both English and Spanish-speaking communities.听
Gracia Deras, an Alma Spanish-Speaking Peer Mentor and Trainer, recalls an encounter that highlights the profound impact of Alma鈥檚 approach. She met a mother from Guatemala who didn鈥檛 speak Spanish, but rather a Guatemalan dialect. Despite the language barrier, Gracia adapted, using simple words to communicate with the mother, who she later found out was trapped in an abusive relationship.听
By the end of their meetings, the mother found the strength to leave the abusive situation and began working toward providing a better future for her three children. This story is a testament to the power of connection, even in the face of significant challenges.听
Expanding Reach through the Train-the-Trainer Model听
Today, the goal is to expand Alma's reach through the train-the-trainer model, empowering community organizations to deliver maternal mental health support independently.听
"Through this model, the Crown Institute aims to build capacity in both rural and urban communities across Colorado, empowering local organizations to independently expand and sustain the Alma program. Our goal is to reduce the alarming rates of perinatal depression and anxiety, offering hope to the mothers who need it most," says Anahi Collado, PhD, Assistant Research Professor at the Crown Institute and Principal Investigator for the Alma program.听听
The partnerships with organizations like in Denver, serving Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle counties highlight a听shared commitment to health equity. These organizations, with their strong connections to the Latinx community, are vital collaborators in ensuring maternal mental health services are both accessible and culturally appropriate.听
The train-the-trainer model will exponentially expand Alma鈥檚 reach. By equipping peer mentors, community health workers, and promotoras with the skills and resources to support their communities, we are building a sustainable infrastructure for maternal mental health.听听
This approach has already gained momentum, with organizations like Lifespan Local in Denver鈥攖rained by the Crown Institute in 2020鈥攔equesting further support to continue serving their communities effectively. Additionally, the program has expanded through partnerships in the State of New Jersey and with Postpartum Support International.听
鈥淥ur communities are vulnerable, often unheard, but they are incredibly strong. If you give them the tools, they can accomplish so much for their neighborhoods, their communities, and their country,鈥� says Solangel Ramos, Lifespan Local Project Director - Alma听听
Tackling Mental Health Disparities听
Mental health disparities, particularly for monolingual Spanish-speaking Latinas, remain a critical issue. Alma鈥檚 holistic, culturally responsive approach not only addresses these disparities but also fosters long-term systemic change. By integrating peer mentorship, community engagement, and evidence-based mental health practices, we are making meaningful strides toward health equity.听
鈥淭he experience of us as mothers, realizing that we are not alone, that there are other mothers going through the same thing, who suffered ailments, felt alone, felt that fear, and made mistakes. That is what makes the difference between a supportive peer and a mental health professional,鈥� mentions Almeida.
One of Alma's strengths is its ability to connect mothers with the appropriate mental health professionals when cases are more complex. This ensures that those facing more serious challenges receive the specialized care and support they need, while still benefiting from the community-based, culturally responsive framework that Alma provides.听
With the support of its partners, the Alma program is creating a growing network of Latinx leaders, driving the push for maternal mental health advocacy and setting the stage for healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future.
Additional reporting and interviews by听Julianne Chandler,听North American Congress on Latin America Editor.