Advocating for Perinatal Mental Health & Wellness for All California Families
Parents and families urgently need perinatal mental health support.
Perinatal mental health conditions—like depression, anxiety, and psychosis—are the most common complications of pregnancy and the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. In California, 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience these challenges, yet only 15% receive treatment, despite the proven benefits of early intervention.
The consequences ripple outwards: poorer birth outcomes, developmental delays, intergenerational impacts, and $2.4 billion in annual costs to the state. Black, immigrant, low- income, and Medi-Cal families—those least likely to access culturally responsive care—are hit hardest. Despite prior policy wins, California’s system remains fragmented, underfunded, and siloed.
From stories, we build systemic change.
The California Perinatal Wellness Alliance (CPWA) was born out of From Pain to Power, a 2024 convening in South Los Angeles that brought together 200 survivors, providers, and policymakers. It was a transformative experience of breaking stigma, building solidarity, and inspiring a shared commitment to systemic change.
From that moment, CPWA emerged as a survivor-led coalition weaving connections across communities, providers, institutions, and policymakers to ensure no parent falls through the cracks.
We weave together interconnected strategies for powerful change.
Policy & Systems Change
Advancing reforms to strengthen screening, treatment, follow-up care, insurance accountability, and workforce development
Storytelling & Narrative Shift
Uplifting lived experience through our statewide Breaking the Silence Storybook, The Imperfect Mothers Club film, and survivor testimony to move policymakers and the public
Convenings & Movement Building
Creating spaces like From Pain to Power in LA and at the Capitol in Sacramento, where stories and cross-sector collaboration fuel changes in policy and practice
We are making real impact in L.A., across California, and beyond.
Pain to Power LA
200 attendees, 16 sponsors, and powerful storytelling that sparked CPWA’s formation
CA Advocacy Day
25 survivors among 40 advocates led 50+ legislative visits; SB 626 passed Senate Health 11–0
Coalition-Building
20+ partners and 600+ advocates supporting perinatal mental health reform statewide
Take Action.
Together, we can transform California’s approach to perinatal mental health—from fragmented and reactive to integrated, equitable, and healing-centered.
Individuals: Share your story, volunteer, or join our newsletter
Organizations: Join our alliance or co-sponsor events
Funders & Donors: Support storytelling, advocacy, survivor wellness, and alliance infrastructure
Policymakers: Champion legislation and invest in systemic solutions
