CarePlus NJ’s Maternal & Family Center Hosts “Empowerment to Wellness” Event For Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

This event is specially designed for new and expectant mothers, birthing people, partners, and families

Paramus, N.J. (May 8, 2024) – The Maternal & Family Center (MFC) at CarePlus NJ, Inc. (“CarePlus NJ”), a pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children, will host its First Annual “Empowerment to Wellness” Resource Event on May 15, 2024. At the event, mothers, birthing people, partners, and families will have the opportunity to learn from and engage with perinatal mental health professionals, indulge in self-care activities, and learn about various resources available to new moms, birthing people, partners, and children/families in recognition of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Refreshments, a raffle, giveaways, and gifts will be offered at the event, which will take place at 610 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652 from 11 am - 2 pm.

MFC’s Empowerment to Wellness Resource Event is FREE and open to the public. Participants must register HERE by Friday, May 10, 2024.

Expectant mothers/birthing people/partners/families, mental health providers, healthcare professionals, as well as community-based services/programs will have the chance to connect and share resources with a focus providing necessary supports to enhance the overall well-being of families. Perinatal mental health providers, OB/GYNs, primary care providers, wellness and support professionals, Postpartum Support International (PSI), and local maternal health resources and community organizations will be in attendance. Families in the planning phase, those who have suffered a loss, and/or are in the perinatal period are encouraged to attend.

Kara Kushnir, Chair of the PSI New Jersey Chapter, will be featured as a key speaker at the upcoming event. Addressing the theme "You Are Not Alone," she will discuss the critical role that PSI plays in supporting families affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her presentation will cover the purpose and goals of PSI, highlight the extensive range of services and supports offered by the organization, and emphasize the vital advocacy efforts and training opportunities that PSI provides to educate and empower perinatal mental health (PMH) providers.

“Maternal mental illness ranks as the leading cause of death in pregnant and postpartum women in the United States, accounting for 22.3% of all maternal deaths nationwide,” said Melissa Oparaku, Vice President of Outpatient Services at CarePlus NJ. “We hope the Maternal and Family Center helps moms step forward into wellness and empowers every mother not to just survive, but to flourish. We want moms to leave our program equipped with everything they need to thrive in their personal and family lives.”

In addition to learning about various community resources and services offered to mothers/birthing people/families, attendees will have the option of engaging in self-care activities, such as a massage and yoga exercises.

Registration is now open. To register for the event please visit https://bit.ly/3UjcVye and for any questions about the event please email MFC@careplusnj.org.

About CarePlus NJ

For more than 45 years, CarePlus NJ, Inc. has been a pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children in northern New Jersey. Based in Paramus, New Jersey, CarePlus NJ is committed to providing the most comprehensive integrated treatment options through 80+ programs designed to meet the full spectrum of health and wellness needs for adults and children in the communities it serves. Specializing in acute care, CarePlus NJ provides immediate, high-quality health services and support programs for individuals in crisis. Nationally ranked for excellence in customer satisfaction by the Mental Health Corporations of America, CarePlus NJ is mission-driven, ensuring that anyone who needs it has access to specialized care. To learn more about CarePlus NJ and its wide range of programs and services, visit https://www.careplusnj.org/.