The bi3 Fund announced $631,000 in grants to expand access to maternal mental health support for mothers across Greater Cincinnati. Funding will support community-based programs designed to help new and expecting mothers, especially those facing the greatest disparities, access needed mental health services and overcome barriers.
Maternal mental health conditions impact one in five women during pregnancy, or within the first year postpartum, yet many mothers remain undiagnosed or untreated. Without proper support, these conditions can pose risks to the health and wellbeing of mothers, babies, and families.
“Every mom deserves support for her mental health and emotional wellbeing,” Jill Miller, President & CEO of the bi3 Fund, said. “When mothers have access to the care and support they need, it strengthens families and creates healthier communities for all of us.”
Grant Awards
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health received $500,000 over three years to launch a maternal mental health program connecting pregnant or postpartum mothers experiencing depression, anxiety, or other emotional issues to therapy. The program will collaborate with social service and healthcare organizations to establish a referral pathway for mothers who screen positive for concerns but lack other services.
Through home-based therapy, telehealth, and office visits, the initiative will provide culturally responsive care that meets mothers where they are and increase the number of women receiving treatment after screening positive for maternal mental health conditions.
The Transformational Healing Place received a $131,220 planning grant to design a culturally grounded prenatal mental health model for Black birthing individuals in Hamilton County. The Sacred Birth Sister Circle will bring together doulas, therapists, community health workers, and moms to co-design a supportive care framework that integrates mental health services, peer support, and community-based healing practices.
The planning will include community listening sessions, a pilot support circle, and development of a sustainable program model aimed at improving emotional wellbeing and reducing disparities in maternal mental health.
Strengthening Maternal Health in Greater Cincinnati
The new grants are part of bi3’s Improving Maternal Mental Health initiative, which supports community-driven solutions to strengthen maternal mental health across Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties.
These grants build on two $500,000 awards announced last fall through the same initiative. Mental Health America of Ohio is expanding its Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM) program to Cincinnati, providing peer support, care navigation, and moms’ support groups. The Booker T. Washington Community Center is establishing a Maternal Wellness Center in Butler County, offering culturally affirming care, including therapy, healing circles, movement, and family support for Black and Hispanic mothers from pregnancy through three years postpartum.
