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Sip & Celebrate with MMHLA: Recognizing 10 Years of Maternal Mental Health Advocacy

On May 13th, join the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) for an in-person event on Capitol Hill celebrating 10 years of maternal mental health advocacy.

Join us as we recognize the work of bipartisan maternal mental health champions in Congress. In particular, we will be honoring Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-2) who is retiring after an impactful career serving our nation’s mothers and families as the Democratic Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus since 2023, and through her legislative work to address maternal health since she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013.

Over the past decade, elected officials and advocates have worked together to address the maternal mental health crisis in our country — successfully securing over $126.5 million in federal funding to support the mental health and well-being of our nation's mothers.

We look forward to being together to celebrate these significant accomplishments!

EVENT DETAILS:

  • Date: May 13, 2026

  • Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

  • Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2045), Washington, D.C.

  • Refreshments: Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

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Meet the Speakers

Adrienne Griffen, MPP

Executive Director, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA)

  • Adrienne is an advocate and subject-matter expert in maternal mental health.

    Prior to joining MMHLA, Adrienne founded Postpartum Support Virginia and served as executive director for 10 years, establishing a statewide network of peer-led support groups, creating educational programs for mental health providers and maternal-child healthcare professionals, and helping pass legislation requiring information about postpartum depression and anxiety be provided to new mothers.

    Adrienne graduated from the United States Naval Academy and has a master’s in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Jamie Zahlaway Belsito

Founder and Director of Policy & Partnerships, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA)

  • Jamie founded MMHLA in 2019 to prioritize national policy on maternal mental health and currently serves as Director of Policy and Partnerships.

    A key advocate for maternal mental health, she has helped: pass three federal laws, establish the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, secure funding for state programs, and create the first maternal mental health program for the U.S. military.

    Jamie represented the 4th Essex District in the Massachusetts general court and is currently the Town Moderator for the Town of Topsfield. She served as: a Trustee of Salem State University, a Commissioner on the Ellen Story Special Commission on Postpartum Depression, and a Board member of the Massachusetts March of Dimes. She is also a former U.S. Congressional candidate, advocating for mothers and families.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Illinois Second Congressional District

  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.

    Committed to improving the health and wellness of vulnerable communities across the country, the Congresswoman serves as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus.

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Looking Back

The First Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Day in 2016

The first Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Day was held on May 16, 2016, and was organized by Jamie Zahlaway Belsito and others on behalf of the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health.

Approximately 60 advocates came to Congress in high heels and sneakers, met with over 90 Congressional offices, and encouraged our nation’s elected officials to pass the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Darkness Act of 2015.

This legislation – known as Out of the Darkness – was enacted on December 13, 2016. It provided funding for seven states to launch Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs and laid the groundwork for future legislation.

Since 2016, advocacy efforts have led to Congress providing $126.5 million for maternal mental health programs and research. Learn more about maternal mental health advocacy successes here.

About Us

Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA)

The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan nonprofit organization leading national efforts to improve maternal mental health in the United States by advocating for policies, building partnerships, and curating information.

Since 2019, we have helped pass groundbreaking federal legislation and secured over $126.5 million in federal funding to create programs across the country that support maternal mental health. Read more about our impact here.