Ellen Story Commission unanimously votes to urge conference committee on perinatal mental health

BOSTON — June 11, 2026 — Massachusetts postpartum commission votes unanimously to press budget negotiators on perinatal mental health funding. The Joint Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression voted Thursday to send a letter to the state budget conference committee calling for dedicated investment in perinatal and postpartum mental health, after the House co-chair reported that every House maternal health amendment this cycle — including a $220,000 community-based perinatal mental health grant — was rejected, while the Senate adopted three amendments totaling roughly $1.4 million, none focused specifically on mental health. Commissioner Dr. Lena Mittal argued the commission must not lose sight of its core mandate: "Our mission is specifically around perinatal mental health, and that's not really reflected in the wins." Commissioner Jane Singer added a call to expand the commission's advocacy to include maternal infant mental health and the parent-infant relationship. The commission also flagged more than 10 open seats — including seven governor appointments and one house minority seat — with a stated goal of filling vacancies before the new year.