Behavioral Health: Women, Children, and Families

ASTHO works with state and territorial health agencies to increase access to behavioral health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. We also work to support these populations through the full range of subsequent outcomes, including prenatal exposure such as neonatal abstinence syndrome. These complex issues require working across agencies, provider groups, communities, and social services to improve prevention, treatment, and care for families who experience mental health concerns and substance use disorder. Learn more about our work below.

Featured

Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder

This three-part infographic series is based on best practices to support pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder and infants prenatally exposed to opioids.

Explore the Series

Opioid Use Disorder Toolkit: Supporting the Public Health Response in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health

California health officials and partner organizations piloted a toolkit on prevention strategies and community resources regarding the effects of SUD on birthing people and their infants.

Explore the Findings

Building Capacity and Dedicating Field Staff to Address Substance Use Disorders during COVID-19

States are working to address the fact that COVID-19 has overwhelmed healthcare and public health across the nation and has also exacerbated cases of substance use disorder and rates of drug overdose.

Access the Blog Post

Latest WIFH Behavioral Health Resources

A boy sits alone in a school hallway, looking sadly out the window
history_eduBlog

Addressing the Youth Mental Health and Loneliness Crises Through Social Connection in Schools

Learn More
A boy sits sadly on the floor in his home, back against the wall, head on his knees
history_eduBlog

Building Capacity to Navigate the Prevention of Suicide, Overdose, and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Learn More
articleBrief

Supporting Positive Mental Health in Early Childhood

Learn More
articleBrief

Utilizing Doula Care to Support Substance Use Disorder in the Postpartum Period

Learn More
A pregnant person cradles their exposed belly in an exam room during an appointment
history_eduBlog

Addressing the Impact of Rural Hospital Closures on Maternal and Infant Health

Learn More
A young Black girl sits sadly at her school desk
history_eduBlog

Wisconsin at Intersection of Public Health and Youth Justice

Learn More
webPage

Webinar Series: Leveraging Different Sectors to Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Learn More
Midsection shot of a post-partum person's belly as they hold an infant. ASTHO Health Policy Update banner in lower left
history_eduBlog

States Support Postpartum Health with Medicaid Expansions

Learn More