Abstract:
Community of Caring: The Creation of a Regional Postpartum Depression Task Force
Purpose:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is recognized as a disorder that affects up to 10-20% of postpartum women. It has far-reaching public health implications affecting not only the postpartum mother, but also her infant and family. In addition, PPD represents the most common form of maternal morbidity following birth.
Nineteen area hospitals, concerned community members, and women’s community service organizations in the Dayton, Ohio area joined forces to create the Region Two Postpartum Depression Task Force in order to increase community awareness, provide a method for screening in a variety of settings, and create a support network for women and families affected by PPD.  Region Two consists of 19 hospitals, covering a 17 county area where deliveries exceed 10,000 per year. The region is composed of large inner-city hospitals and small rural and county hospitals with a large at-risk population.
Program Highlights:
The purpose of  the Regional Postpartum Depression Task Force is to be a catalyst in the Miami Valley area for meeting the educational, resource and support needs for mothers, families, health care providers, and the community in regards to Perinatal mood disorders. Our goals include (1) offering resources and a support network for mothers and their families (2) increasing knowledge and awareness of perinatal mood disorders in our community and (3) assisting with early detection and treatment of perinatal mood disorders. Using Deming's Plan, Do, Check, Act model, the PPD Task Force has implemented several innovative projects in order to reach women and families in need of services.Our accomplishments at this time include:
·         Creation of a referral list for women and their primary health care providers
·         A list of physician and community supporters who can provide support and education
·         Community and organizational in-service opportunities which include educational credits
·         Two research projects focusing on nursing knowledge of PPD and screening at well-child visits
·         Support groups, brochures and teaching aids
·         Partnership with Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM)
·         The creation of a Mom to Mom support system
Outcomes:
·         Research conducted in pediatric office revealed a 20% PPD prevalence  rate mirroring the national rate
·         Over 400 nurses were surveyed to assess their knowledge of PPD prompting additional in-services and educational programs
·         Development and distribution of brochures including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale to all clinics, hospitals, Pediatric, OB/GYN, Family Practice, WIC, Help Me Grow, and Children’s Services offices
·         Coordination of two support groups and a Mom to Mom support network
·         Partnerships with physicians created to expand education through Grand Rounds in area hospitals