Preventing Childhood Trauma Grant St. Joseph Hospital has received a $142,000 grant from Healthcare Foundation for Orange County (HFOC) to expand our Maternal Depression program and ensure more moms receive the help they need for depression and a full range of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) including anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome and other mental health challenges. 

When moms are not well, the wellbeing of their babies and entire families can be compromised. The risk of childhood trauma is increased. Early detection and prompt treatment for these mothers is critical.  

Our comprehensive screening and treatment program already includes cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and, when needed, inpatient and pharmacological intervention. St. Joseph Hospital caregivers are now receiving mandatory training to identify moms with PMADs. They are learning to recognize the signs of intimate partner violence and human trafficking, and when and how to report such cases. Additionally, they are learning how to make appropriate referrals to mental health and social work service providers or community partners.  

We are committed to providing the highest clinical excellence and compassionate care for the nearly 5,000 women who choose to deliver their babies at St. Joseph Hospital each year. We thank HFOC for their support of this program since 2016.