I See You, Mama and change-makers, survivors, advocates and professionals! Welcome to another episode of the I See You Mama! Podcast all about maternal mental health! Today we welcome powerhouse mama, Maureen Fura!
Maureen has spent the last 10 years building key relationships with policymakers, advocates, leaders, survivors, scientists, researchers, providers, and families to close the gaps in Maternal Mental Health care.
She is a survivor of a maternal mental health disorder that came on when she was pregnant in 2008. Maureen experienced first-hand the gaps in Maternal Mental Health care when she sought treatment from 29 different providers before she got the help she needed. She couldn’t help but question, does this happen to other women? This led her to create the first documentary film exposing the gaps in MMH care in the U.S.
Since its release in 2015, the award-winning film ‘Dark Side of the Full Moon’ has been used as a catalyst around the country ranging from State Legislators, hospitals, universities, public health departments, and community organizations to ignite a movement of providing better mental health care to women during their pregnancy and postpartum period.
Maureen was also one of the founding members of the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health (NCMMH). Maureen was awarded their Advocate of the Year in 2017 for her efforts in bringing advocates to Washington D.C from around the country to lobby for policy changes. Through NCMMH, the Moving Out of the Shadows Act and its subsequent funding was realized.
Maureen also spearheaded the first national social media awareness campaign for Maternal Mental Health (MMH Week), which takes place the first week of May every year. She led MMH Week for 4 years, reaching over 10 million. She also worked on first World MMH Day with leaders from the UK, Spain, Turkey, South Africa, France, and Canada.
She worked closely with 2020Mom, one of the leading MMH organizations, before starting MomsWell with Melissa.
She continues to be a Postpartum Support International Coordinator in Miami, Florida where she works to connect local moms to support.