Brooklyn College Summit Highlights Perinatal Mental Health: A Call for Culturally Responsive Care

On April 24, 2026, Brooklyn College hosted its second annual Perinatal Mental Health Summit, a pivotal event dedicated to advancing maternal and reproductive mental health care for parents, infants, and families. Titled “Relational Beginnings: Advancing Perinatal Mental Health for Parents, Infants, and Families,” the summit brought together clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to address critical gaps in perinatal care, particularly in underserved communities like Brownsville, Brooklyn.

The event underscored the urgent need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed interventions and highlighted innovative approaches to supporting both maternal and paternal mental health during the perinatal period—a timeframe spanning pregnancy through the first year postpartum.

The Summit’s Mission: Bridging Gaps in Perinatal Care

Organized by Brooklyn College professors Jacqueline Shannon and Haroula Ntalla, the summit aimed to foster collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. The event was held in partnership with United for Brownsville and the New York City Department of Health, reflecting a commitment to addressing disparities in perinatal mental health outcomes.

Key themes included:

• Perinatal grief and loss: Supporting families navigating miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
• Postpartum mental health: Expanding access to screening and treatment for conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety.
• Paternal mental health: Recognizing the often-overlooked emotional needs of fathers and partners.
• Dyadic and reflective interventions: Promoting attachment-based care for parents and infants.
• Culturally responsive care: Tailoring services to meet the unique needs of Latina mothers and other marginalized communities.

Keynote Speaker: Solimar Santiago-Warner

The summit featured a keynote address by Dr. Solimar Santiago-Warner, a leading expert in perinatal mental health with nearly two decades of experience in pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems. As a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) professional, Santiago-Warner emphasized the importance of relational and attachment-based approaches in perinatal care. Her work has been instrumental in shaping hospital-based programs that integrate mental health support into obstetric and neonatal settings.

Spotlight on Underserved Communities

A central focus of the summit was the disproportionate burden of perinatal mental health challenges faced by Black, Latina, and low-income families. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, with mental health conditions contributing significantly to these disparities. The summit’s location in Brownsville—a neighborhood with historically limited access to maternal health resources—underscored the need for targeted interventions.

Panelists discussed strategies for implementing trauma-informed care, which acknowledges the impact of systemic racism, poverty, and historical trauma on maternal health outcomes. For example, Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director of OB/GYN and NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital, highlighted the importance of bilingual and bicultural providers in delivering effective care to Latina mothers. Burgos, who is also pursuing advanced studies in perinatal mental health at Brooklyn College, emphasized the role of doulas and community health workers in bridging gaps in care.

Innovative Interventions: Dyadic and Reflective Group Models

The summit showcased several evidence-based interventions designed to improve perinatal mental health outcomes:

• Dyadic therapy: A model that focuses on the parent-infant relationship, helping caregivers develop secure attachments with their babies. Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has shown that dyadic interventions can reduce symptoms of postpartum depression and improve infant developmental outcomes (source).
• Reflective parenting groups: These groups provide a safe space for parents to explore their emotions and experiences, fostering resilience and reducing isolation. A study in Infant Mental Health Journal found that reflective parenting programs significantly improved maternal mental health and infant social-emotional development (source).
• Father-inclusive programs: The summit highlighted the work of Dr. Moshe Moeller, founder of HERO Dads, a program based at Montefiore Einstein Hospital that supports paternal mental health. Moeller’s research has demonstrated that involving fathers in perinatal care can improve maternal mental health outcomes and strengthen family bonds.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

Brooklyn College’s perinatal mental health courses, led by professors Shannon and Ntalla, are training the next generation of clinicians and advocates to address these challenges. Students like Mahbuba Choudhury, LMSW, a social worker at Mount Sinai Hospital, are gaining specialized skills to support families during the perinatal period. Choudhury’s work exemplifies the summit’s emphasis on community-based care, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

Kimberly Polanco, MSW, PMH-C—a birth and abortion doula and childbirth educator at Mount Sinai Hospital—also shared her perspective on the importance of holistic, patient-centered care. Polanco, who is completing her perinatal mental health certification at Brooklyn College, stressed the need for providers to address the social determinants of health, such as housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of access to transportation, which can exacerbate perinatal mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

• Perinatal mental health is a public health priority: Conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety affect up to 1 in 5 women, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in marginalized communities (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).
• Culturally responsive care saves lives: Tailoring interventions to the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic needs of families can improve engagement and outcomes.
• Fathers matter: Paternal mental health is a critical but often overlooked component of perinatal care. Programs like HERO Dads are paving the way for more inclusive support systems.
• Community partnerships are essential: Collaborations between academic institutions, hospitals, and grassroots organizations can amplify the impact of perinatal mental health initiatives.
• Education is power: Training providers in trauma-informed, attachment-based care can transform perinatal mental health services.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Perinatal Mental Health

The 2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit concluded with a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to prioritize perinatal mental health as a cornerstone of maternal and infant well-being. As Brooklyn College continues to expand its perinatal mental health programs, the hope is that these efforts will serve as a model for other institutions nationwide.

For families in Brownsville and beyond, the summit offered a message of hope: perinatal mental health challenges are treatable, and no one should have to navigate them alone. With continued advocacy, research, and investment, the goal of equitable, high-quality perinatal care for all families is within reach.

FAQ: Perinatal Mental Health

What is perinatal mental health?

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. It encompasses a range of conditions, including postpartum depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.

What are the signs of postpartum depression?

Symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek help from a healthcare provider immediately. Resources like the Postpartum Support International (PSI) helpline (1-800-944-4773) are available 24/7.

How can partners support perinatal mental health?

Partners can play a crucial role by:

• Encouraging open communication about emotions and struggles
• Assisting with household tasks and childcare
• Attending medical appointments and support groups together
• Seeking their own mental health support if needed

Where can I locate perinatal mental health resources in New York City?

Several organizations in NYC offer perinatal mental health support, including:

• Seleni Institute: Provides therapy, support groups, and educational programs for perinatal mental health.
• Mount Sinai Hospital: Offers specialized perinatal mental health services through its OB/GYN and NICU departments.
• United for Brownsville: A community organization focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes in Brownsville.