Jamie founded Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) in 2019 to prioritize national policy on maternal mental health.
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.
Meet the Founder
Jamie Zahlaway Belsito
What’s Your Why?
I was shocked and scared by my experience with maternal mental health conditions during the pregnancies and postpartum period of both of my girls.
I saw how disconnected support systems for new mothers and families are, even with the advantages that I had. I felt I needed to try to make a change for all mothers, because what I went through was unacceptable.
After the shooting death of Marion Carey by the United States Capitol Police, I called my State Senator. When women die from maternal mental health complications, we are failing as a society.