Press Release: Major Victory for Mothers — Congress Provides $20 Million for Maternal Mental Health Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 4, 2026
Media Contact: Mia Hemstad, mhemstad@mmhla.org
Today, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, delivering a decisive victory for mothers across the nation through funding increases for vital maternal mental health programs. This critical investment targets key high-risk communities, ensuring specialized focus on helping servicemembers, military spouses, and Tribal mothers. The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) applauds this significant bipartisan effort that reversed two years of flat funding, ensuring mothers and families nationwide have access to life-saving resources.
The package provides a total of $20 Million in funding ($2 Million in new funding), including:
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: $8 million (an increase of $1 million over previous funding) for the Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA), which provides 24/7 voice and text support in English and Spanish. The increase in funding will boost support and outreach to servicemembers and their spouses.
The Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Program: $12 million (an increase of $1 million over previous funding) for grants to state-based maternal mental health programs. The increase in funding will be used to expand the program to additional States and/or Tribal entities.
According to Adrienne Griffen, MMHLA’s Executive Director, “Maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, impacting at least 1 in 5 women during or following pregnancy and costing our country $14 billion each year. These cost-efficient, effective programs increase access to care, including to women who serve in our armed forces or live in rural areas.”
Jamie Belsito, MMHLA’s Founder and Director of Policy and Partnerships, says that “We know that maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality, contributing to 23% of maternal deaths. This funding is critical to support new moms and families and will save lives.”
“Supporting new moms and their babies is a top priority of mine, as I’ve seen firsthand the gaps that often exist in maternal health care. I’m grateful for the support of so many maternal health champions of our efforts to provide more resources for moms across the country.” – Rep. Julia Letlow
Bipartisan Champions Deliver Life-Saving Investment
Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA); as well as Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), and Representatives Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ashley Hinson (R-IO-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), Chellie Pingree (R-ME-01), Young Kim (R-CA-40), and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) have demonstrated resilient and unwavering leadership to secure this funding and protect our vital maternal mental health programs, supporting the more than 800,000 families impacted each year by maternal mental health conditions.
“Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be exceptionally challenging for new moms, and it is critical that we make sure help is available for those who need support,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I helped establish the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline so that new moms and families always have somewhere to turn for free, confidential support when they are struggling. I’m proud to have secured additional funding for the hotline in this year’s government funding package, as well as funding for vital maternal mental health and substance use disorder state grants to continue funding lifesaving programs. I encourage anyone who needs help to take advantage of these resources, and I will continue working to improve access to maternal care.”
Protecting Military Families and Readiness
In a separate victory, Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Boozman (R-AR), and Chris Coons (D-DE) championed advocacy efforts to bolster maternal mental health research for our servicemember community. The Defense appropriations package will continue to fund medical research on maternal mental health, providing an estimated $5 million in new research.
This research is vital not only because servicemembers suffer from maternal mental health conditions at twice the rate of their civilian counterparts, but also because it is essential for improving servicemember health and overall military readiness.
We extend our gratitude to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Vice Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK-04) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) for their bipartisan leadership leading to the swift passage of this FY26 appropriations package to keep our government and essential federal programs open and operable.
MMHLA remains committed to fighting for federal support for the screening, referral, and treatment of maternal mental health conditions for all childbearing women and their families across the United States. The passage of this appropriations package preserves and expands critical resources that will improve mental health outcomes and support millions of families nationwide.
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