The harmony bloom project

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Our mission is to develop a system that ensures no woman is left without the behavioral health support she needs during these critical phases. 

There are significant gaps in the identification, screening, and treatment of behavioral health issues in pregnant and postpartum women within our catchment area. Current systems lack the following critical services:

• Timely Recognition of Symptoms:  Sustained follow-up and continuous support play a vital role in preventing relapse, managing symptoms effectively, and promoting the overall mental health and well-being of mothers during the perinatal period. Consistent monitoring, regular check-ins, and access to ongoing care can help individuals stay engaged in their treatment, address emerging needs, and navigate any challenges that may arise throughout their journey. The Harmony Bloom Project recognizes the importance of sustained follow-up and continuity of care in supporting individuals with PMADs. Our initiative is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care that extends beyond the initial identification of mental health symptoms. Through regular follow-up appointments, ongoing assessments, and access to supportive services, we aim to create a seamless and consistent care pathway for pregnant and postpartum individuals in need.

•  Culturally Responsive Care:   Recognizing the pressing need for culturally responsive care in behavioral health services, The Harmony Bloom Project is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse populations, particularly minority communities disproportionately impacted by health disparities. Culturally sensitive care is essential for ensuring that individuals from different cultural backgrounds feel understood, respected, and supported in their mental health journey.   Minority communities often face barriers to accessing quality behavioral health services due to factors such as stigma, language barriers, lack of cultural competence among providers, and systemic inequities. These barriers can contribute to disparities in mental health outcomes and prevent individuals from receiving the care they need to thrive. 

• Sustained Follow-Up:   The Harmony Bloom Project recognizes the importance of sustained follow-up and continuity of care in supporting individuals with PMADs. Our initiative is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care that extends beyond the initial identification of mental health symptoms. Through regular follow-up appointments, ongoing assessments, and access to supportive services, we aim to create a seamless and consistent care pathway for pregnant and postpartum individuals in need. 

• Holistic Treatment Approaches:  By embracing holistic treatment approaches that encompass peer support, integrated care, and trauma-informed practices, The Harmony Bloom Project seeks to offer a comprehensive and empowering approach to addressing perinatal mental health concerns. Our commitment to holistic care reflects our dedication to supporting the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum individuals in a manner that is inclusive, compassionate, and effective. 

In the U.S., the maternal mortality rate among Black women is 2.9 times higher than that of White women, illustrating an urgent public health crisis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in five women will experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or within a year after childbirth, with 20% experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm behaviors (World Health Organization, 2017). The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression among pregnant and postpartum women (American Psychological Association, 2021). Our catchment area also suffers from higher-than-average rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), affecting approximately 30,000 women annually in Georgia (Georgia Department of Public Health, 2020). These disorders encompass a range of conditions including antenatal depression/anxiety, affecting 15% of pregnant women; postpartum depression, affecting 10-15% of postpartum women; and postpartum anxiety/panic disorder, affecting up to 11% of new mothers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-f). Other serious conditions include postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (3-5%), postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (1-6%), and postpartum psychosis, which is a psychiatric emergency occurring in approximately 1 to 2 of every 1,000 deliveries (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023).

These perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) do not discriminate; they can affect women regardless of ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic status. However, they are particularly prevalent among underserved communities. Such untreated or undertreated conditions have far-reaching consequences not only for the mothers but also for their children and broader family units. Children born to mothers experiencing PMADs are more likely to be delivered pre-term, have lower birth weights, display insecure attachment, and experience delayed cognitive and social development. These outcomes perpetuate cycles of disadvantage and inequity in already marginalized populations. Moreover, the likelihood of marijuana usage among pregnant women in these areas adds another layer of complexity to maternal health. As of 2018, 5.4 percent of women reported using illicit drugs during pregnancy, with marijuana being the most frequently used substance (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Research suggests that 34-60 percent of women who use marijuana continue to do so during pregnancy, often underestimating its risks (Young-Wolff et al., 2017). Factors such as socioeconomic pressures, mental health challenges, and a lack of comprehensive prenatal counseling contribute to continued substance use, thereby compounding adverse health outcomes (Gavin et al., 2018). Additionally, higher levels of THC in modern marijuana pose greater risks than previously thought, potentially leading to worse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm delivery (Metz & Stickrath, 2015). Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke and the transfer of THC through breast milk raise further concerns about infant development and long-term health impacts (Bertrand et al., 2018). Therefore, addressing marijuana use among pregnant women in our target area is crucial in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The Harmony Bloom Project will implement the following key strategies to support our focused populations:

1. Conduct Mental Health Screenings: We will provide timely and culturally sensitive mental health screenings for pregnant and postpartum individuals to identify symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including substance use concerns.
2. Establish Referral Pathways: Through partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations, we will establish effective referral pathways to connect individuals to evidence-based behavioral health services, ensuring timely access to support and treatment.
3. Provide Short-term Mental Health and Substance Use Services: Our experienced Behavioral Health Team will offer immediate, short-term mental health and substance use services, including in-person and virtual consultations, to meet the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals.
4. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement: We are committed to engaging with stakeholders from the focused populations, local healthcare providers, community organizations, and advocacy groups to gather input, feedback, and insights that guide the development and delivery of our services.
5. Data Collection and Monitoring: The Harmony Bloom Project will establish a robust data collection and monitoring system to track key performance indicators and measure the impact of our services, ensuring high-quality care and continuous improvement.

 Through these targeted strategies and collaborative efforts, The Harmony Bloom Project aims to promote maternal well-being, enhance access to behavioral health services, and foster a harmonious and supportive community for pregnant and postpartum individuals in need. Join us in cultivating a space of healing and growth during the transformative journey of parenthood. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals seeking maternal behavioral health services in our community. 

The Harmony Bloom Project is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of diverse and underserved populations in Henry County, Georgia, and surrounding areas. Our initiative prioritizes the following focused populations:

1. Active-duty military service members, national guard and reserve service members, veterans, and military families: We recognize the mental health challenges faced by individuals serving in the military and their families, and aim to provide tailored support services to address their specific needs during the perinatal period.
2. LGBTQ+ individuals: Inclusive of individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment that is sensitive to the unique experiences and mental health concerns of the LGBTQ+ community during pregnancy and postpartum.
3. Communities of color and other underserved populations: We acknowledge the disparities in maternal health outcomes among marginalized communities, including Black or African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics/Latinos, and other underserved groups. Our initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to comprehensive maternal behavioral health services for these populations.

BUILDING BRIDGES TO JUSTICE, a pivotal initiative created by Unity Health Horizons, Inc., strives to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder historically underserved communities—particularly focusing on crime victims and survivors who have suffered from discrimination, inequality, and the effects of crime, violence, and victimization. This program prioritizes culturally competent and trauma-informed care, ensuring that individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and those from economically disadvantaged areas, receive mental health services that are sensitive to their cultural needs and the trauma they have endured.  

Acknowledging the complex and culturally specific repercussions of crime and discrimination on mental health, this initiative offers extensive restoration and empowerment uniquely tailored to the diverse communities it serves.

Victimization not only affects individuals at a personal level, leading to mental and physical health decline, but it also exerts broader societal impacts. The short-term effects of victimization can manifest as immediate trauma, anxiety, and depression, hindering an individual's ability to function and engage in daily activities. Long-term consequences may include chronic mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma, along with physical health complications and social isolation.

Moreover, the ripple effects of unaddressed victimization extend beyond the individual, impacting families, support systems, and communities as a whole. Family dynamics may be strained, relationships disrupted, and trust in institutions eroded. Communities may face increased rates of crime, diminished social cohesion, and heightened mistrust, perpetuating a cycle of adversity and disadvantage. Addressing the complexities of victimization is crucial not just for the affected individuals but for society as a whole, as healing and support contribute to a healthier, more resilient community fabric.

As previously mentioned, victimization not only affects individuals at a personal level, leading to mental and physical health decline, but it also exerts broader societal impacts. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, safety and physiological needs are fundamental for human well-being. When these needs go unmet due to victimization, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. A startling statistic shows that individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, including mental health disorders, with up to 80% of survivors of crime reporting significant psychological distress if left untreated. 

The objective of this initiative is to reduce substance-induced psychotic disorders and co-occurring conditions through innovative and evidence-based prevention, community outreach, education, and treatment strategies. 

The activities of this initiative include 1) engaging in outreach and engagement strategies to increase awareness, participation, and access to substance use prevention, treatment, and education services, 2) conducting screening and assessment of substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions, and connecting individuals with appropriate services, 3) implementing and developing a low barrier approach that offers SUD treatment services, including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications to treat SUDs, 4) referring and linkage to other SUD treatment providers, 5) providing mental health promotion and psychosocial support, 6) offering case management, peer support, and harm reduction services, 7) and providing training and workforce development for sustainability.