Trident Health has committed to supporting Charleston area mothers struggling with postpartum mental health issues, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD and more. Trident is helping fund treatment grants provided by local nonprofit Postpartum Support Charleston.

In 2015, Trident Health continued its support of Postpartum Support Charleston by sponsoring the annual Moms’ Run + Family Fun Day as well as supporting the grants Postpartum Support Charleston provides to women in need.

The Trident Health Grants are given to mothers in the Charleston area who need medical treatment and counseling for postpartum mental health disorders but may not have insurance or the financial means to afford treatment. Women can apply for a grant online at PPDSupport.org. They receive a $500 grant for treatment; a second grant may be awarded as needed. Postpartum Support Charleston pays health care providers directly on behalf of the grant recipient.

In 2015, Postpartum Support Charleston awarded $1,500 in grants.

“It’s important for mothers to understand postpartum depression, anxiety and other postpartum mental health disorders are treatable,” explained Elaine DeaKyne, Postpartum Support Charleston board president. “Our mission is to encourage women to get the necessary treatment so they can heal and care for their families. We never want a mother to forego treatment simply because she doesn’t have insurance or can’t afford counseling.”

More than 20 percent of new moms will experience a postpartum mood disorder in the first year after the birth of a baby. Symptoms include: feelings of anger or irritability; lack of interest in the baby; appetite and sleep disturbance; crying and sadness; feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness; loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy; and possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself.

Trident Health hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – deliver more babies than any other health system in the Lowcountry.

“We are not only committed to the families who choose Trident for their childbirth experience, but we are also honored to support them further through the work of Postpartum Support Charleston,” said Todd Gallati, CEO and president of Trident Health. “This organization, run largely by volunteers, is to be commended for their work with the local medical community to educate health care providers and new moms about postpartum mental health.”

Postpartum Support Charleston, run largely by volunteers, works with the local medical community to educate health care providers about postpartum mental health as well educating new moms, moms-to-be and their families about this issue. PSC also offers a number of peer-led support groups for moms who are struggling with postpartum mental health issues. For a list of support groups, visit PPDSupport.org.

About Postpartum Support Charleston Postpartum Support Charleston is dedicated to educating and supporting mothers and their families, the medical community and the general public about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, available treatment options and community resources. We strive to increase awareness, inspire support and break the stigma of this widespread and often misunderstood illness both in our local community and across the country. For more information, visit www.PPDSupport.org.

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Pictured, from left, are Pam Brock, Trident vice president of marketing; Elaine DeaKyne, Postpartum Support Charleston board president; Erin Herrmann, Postpartum Support Charleston board member; Dee Bien, Trident director of women’s and children’s services; and Todd Gallati, Trident CEO and president.

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