Missouri has made notable progress in addressing maternal mental health challenges, according to the 2026 maternal mental health report cards, which assess 27 indicators across four key areas: screening and identification, access to providers and treatment, policy and reimbursement, and parental support services.
"Although significant work remains, Missouri's transition from a failing grade to a passing evaluation in maternal mental health support marks a major achievement," said Dr. Kimberly Brandt, a perinatal psychiatrist at Mercy. "As Missouri's largest provider of obstetric care by volume, Mercy has played an important role in driving this positive momentum."
A number of innovative programs developed by Mercy, which combine behavioral health and women's healthcare services, have contributed to the state's improved outcomes. These initiatives include:
"Although significant work remains, Missouri's transition from a failing grade to a passing evaluation in maternal mental health support marks a major achievement," said Dr. Kimberly Brandt, a perinatal psychiatrist at Mercy. "As Missouri's largest provider of obstetric care by volume, Mercy has played an important role in driving this positive momentum."
A number of innovative programs developed by Mercy, which combine behavioral health and women's healthcare services, have contributed to the state's improved outcomes. These initiatives include:
- A collaborative care approach that actively screens and treats anxiety and depression among patients across Mercy's primary care, pediatric, women's health, and obstetric clinics.
- Specialized mental health services integrated within Mercy's high-risk maternal-fetal medicine practices.
- The BRAVE (Building Recovery, Advocacy, Validation and Empowerment) program, designed for pregnant and postpartum individuals at elevated risk of substance use disorders. This multidisciplinary team includes licensed clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, therapists, peer support specialists, a specialty nurse, a perinatal psychiatrist, and a high-risk obstetrician.
- A Mother Baby Intensive Outpatient Program that supports women during pregnancy and for up to one year after childbirth, providing a structured environment where participants can connect with others facing similar experiences.
- Comprehensive perinatal psychiatry services for women experiencing new or existing mental health conditions during pregnancy and throughout the first postpartum year. These services address conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, postpartum psychosis, PTSD, and other related concerns. Mercy's perinatal mental health team, which includes a nurse practitioner, therapists, and specialty nursing staff, has delivered 3,613 individual patient visits during the current fiscal year.
"Mercy delivers more babies in Missouri than any other healthcare system, and we recognize our responsibility to support women throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially when they are most vulnerable," said Dr. Dan Jackson, a maternal-fetal medicine physician and addiction medicine specialist at Mercy.
Mercy Hospital St. Louis records the highest number of births among hospitals in Missouri. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of maternal and neonatal services, from low-intervention birthing options and adult intensive care for unexpected complications to an integrated children's hospital featuring a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. This extensive continuum of care enables families to remain together while receiving specialized treatment.
Mercy is among the 15 largest healthcare systems in the United States and has been recognized by NRC Health as the nation's leading large health system for patient experience. The organization provides care to millions of patients annually and operates one of the country's largest and highest-performing Accountable Care Organizations in terms of quality and cost efficiency.
Mercy's integrated, multi-state healthcare network includes 55 acute care and specialty hospitals focused on areas such as cardiac care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and rehabilitation, along with urgent care centers, imaging facilities, pharmacies, and more than 1,000 physician practices and outpatient locations. Supported by over 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 caregivers, Mercy serves communities across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, while also maintaining clinics, outpatient services, and outreach programs in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. During fiscal year 2025, Mercy contributed more than $500 million in free care and community benefits, including charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid services.
Mercy Hospital St. Louis records the highest number of births among hospitals in Missouri. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of maternal and neonatal services, from low-intervention birthing options and adult intensive care for unexpected complications to an integrated children's hospital featuring a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. This extensive continuum of care enables families to remain together while receiving specialized treatment.
Mercy is among the 15 largest healthcare systems in the United States and has been recognized by NRC Health as the nation's leading large health system for patient experience. The organization provides care to millions of patients annually and operates one of the country's largest and highest-performing Accountable Care Organizations in terms of quality and cost efficiency.
Mercy's integrated, multi-state healthcare network includes 55 acute care and specialty hospitals focused on areas such as cardiac care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and rehabilitation, along with urgent care centers, imaging facilities, pharmacies, and more than 1,000 physician practices and outpatient locations. Supported by over 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 caregivers, Mercy serves communities across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, while also maintaining clinics, outpatient services, and outreach programs in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. During fiscal year 2025, Mercy contributed more than $500 million in free care and community benefits, including charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid services.
]]>
