A California Storytelling & Advocacy Day to Transform Perinatal Mental Health
On April 29, 2025, over 40 survivors, advocates, and policymakers gathered at the State Capitol in Sacramento for From Pain to Power—a powerful, in-person day of storytelling, healing, and action to transform California’s approach to perinatal mental health care.
Together, we raised awareness, built community, and advocated for SB 626—landmark legislation co-created by survivors to ensure families across California can access the mental health care they need and deserve during the perinatal period.
Watch the 1-minute Video Recap
Watch the Live Stream Replay
Schedule
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning Program
Storytelling, inspiring speakers, and collective calls to action
12:00 – 12:45 PM: Lunch & Advocacy Prep
Participants broke into teams and prepare for legislative meetings
12:45 – 5:30 PM: Afternoon Advocacy
Participants met with legislators to advocate for SB 626, ahead of its Senate Health Committee hearing on April 30
Thank You Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors who covered meals, materials, honoraria, and travel stipends for select participants.
Planning Committee
This event was jointly led by the California Coalition for Perinatal Mental Health & Justice (CCPMHJ), Be Mom Aware, and the Sacramento Maternal Mental Health Collaborative (SMMHC).
Planning Committee partners include Black Women for Wellness Action Project, The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, PSI-CA, and Maternal Mental Health NOW.
About Pain to Power
The the California Perinatal Wellness Alliance (CPWA) is a volunteer, survivor-led formation born out of the From Pain to Power convening in Los Angeles in October 2024. That event brought together nearly 200 survivors, providers, and policymakers to elevate the maternal mental health crisis, especially its disproportionate impact on Black women and marginalized communities.
Featured Documentary
The From Pain to Power convening premiered The Imperfect Mothers Club, an 18-minute documentary featuring the stories of five brave mothers confronting perinatal depression and discovering strength in community.
About SB 626
Following the From Pain to Power convening, CPWA and partners co-sponsored SB 626 (Smallwood-Cuevas)—a survivor-led policy initiative to address perinatal mental health through systemic reform.
SB 626 would:
- Require perinatal practitioners to screen, diagnose, and treat perinatal mental health conditions following clinical guidelines
- Mandate insurers and health plans cover case management and care coordination
- Require insurers and health plans to report annually on the utilization of perinatal mental health case management services
- Expand language from “maternal” to “perinatal” mental health, to reflect diverse birthing experiences, including loss and infertility
Advocacy Resources
Legislative Visit Guide
Includes everything you need to feel grounded and confident—an overview of the day, a sample legislative visit agenda, and talking points to help frame your story and policy ask.
Perinatal Mental Health Advocacy Toolkit
Created by the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, this toolkit offers helpful tools for your advocacy visit.
Sample “How to Lobby” Video
This short youtube video shows an example of a legislative visit in action. Don’t worry about the issue area (education in Maryland!)—what matters is seeing how your story is your power. Practice your 2-3 minute story and come as your full self.
Participant Reflections – Pain to Power LA
“This was such a beautiful event; I did not expect to cry, nor share anything personal… thank you for empowering me and providing us with a space to heal.”
“In my 30 years as a psychologist, this was the most informative and emotionally truthful event I’ve ever been to.”
“This is hands down the best event I’ve ever attended in my health policy career. Thank you for your thoughtful curation and powerful storytelling.”
Questions?
Email us at cassie@calpwa.org
