Community Foundation Receives $100,000 Grant from Johnson & Johnson Foundation to Support Family and Youth Counseling in Treating Postpartum Depression
· According to the Center for Disease Control, 20% of women who give birth each year are affected by postpartum depression.
· Post Hurricanes Laura and Delta many health services were relocated to nearby areas, causing women to seek services beyond their local doctors and hospitals.
The Community Foundation Southwest Louisiana connects people who care with causes that matter. Johnson & Johnson Foundation connected with the Community Foundation for guidance on the priority needs related to women and children post hurricanes. “We work with area nonprofits and stay abreast of the services they provide to meet pressing needs in Southwest Louisiana,” said Sara Judson, CEO of the Community Foundation. “Johnson & Johnson Foundation’s interests were a good match for the counseling services provided by Family and Youth.” Johnson and Johnson Foundation has granted $100,000 to the Community Foundation who is working with Family and Youth to provide mental health care to women suffering from depression caused by delivery, pregnancy, and/or grief. This type of care will lead to an improvement in the quality of life for mothers and their families.
Family & Youth will partner with obstetricians, pediatricians, hospitals, medical professionals, and other locations across the 5 parishes to facilitate referrals for individuals who are in need of services. By offering affordable and professional services, women in Southwest Louisiana will have access to vital programs that will help women overcome postpartum depression.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in those seeking counseling services and according to the Center for Disease Control, 20% of women who give birth each year are affected by postpartum depression. Southwest Louisiana has also experienced two major hurricanes devastating the region. “Through normal days postpartum depression is common but can be addressed. More recently in the area, with a pandemic and two hurricanes, we’re seeing postpartum depression is incredibly heightened,” said Julio Galan President and CEO of Family & Youth.
These events can disrupt the normalcy of an individual’s life and adds a complex layer of difficulty for women who are pre and postpartum. An increase in access to care is vital during this time with so much disruption in the area. “This opportunity will also allow us to increase collaboration efforts with our local health care provides to improve the quality of outcomes for women and children,” Galan says. Family & Youth plans to focus on outreach and collaborative efforts with the goal of expanding access to care across the five-parish area of Southwest Louisiana. The agency plans to address these issues and ensure they are strategically and successfully addressed in and for our community.