TRIUMPH for New Moms Act Introduced in the Senate

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By Shalini Wickramatilake, MHS

Sen. Hassan (D-NH)

Sen. Hassan (D-NH)

Sen. Tillis (R-NC)

Sen. Tillis (R-NC)

On September 21, 2021, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Taskforce Recommending Improvements for Unaddressed Mental Perinatal and Postpartum Health (TRIUMPH) for New Moms Act (S. 2779/H.R. 4217) in the U.S. Senate. This bill, if passed, will coordinate federal programs for maternal mental health and create a national strategic plan for addressing maternal mental health disorders.

Up to 20% of pregnant and postpartum mothers will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder like depression or anxiety. Screening and early intervention are crucial to ensure that mothers get the support that they need. However, screening isn’t conducted routinely, and treatment, when offered, is not readily and easily accessible.

Not only do these fragmented health care services hurt moms, but they can also have a negative impact on children, families, and broader society. Untreated maternal mental health disorders impair mother-infant interactions, potentially impairing a child’s behavioral, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. Additionally, from an economic perspective, productivity loss, preterm births, long-term health care costs, and childrens’ developmental issues related to untreated maternal mental disorders cost the U.S. over $14 billion dollars each year.

The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act would create a federal maternal mental health task force, led by the Assistant Secretary for Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to:

  • Review and identify existing programs and best practices;

  • Close gaps, eliminate federal duplication, and coordinate federal resources; and

  • Create a national strategy and issue recommendations to Governors.

In the House of Representatives, the TRIUMPH Act is led by Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44th District), Dr. Larry Bucshon (R-IN-8th District), Young Kim (R-CA-39th District), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-District At-Large).

This legislation is critical for helping moms receive the mental health support they need and deserve. Ask your Member of Congress and Senators to sign on in support of the bill by clicking here!