About the Training
The Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) Community Responders Training is a comprehensive, culturally grounded professional development experience designed to equip community members with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to recognize and respond to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) in Black communities.
Made possible through a generous grant from Perigee Fund, all participants will attend at no cost — removing financial barriers and ensuring this life-saving training reaches those who need it most.
Mission & Purpose
Black birthing parents are nearly twice as likely as their white peers to experience a PMAD — and half as likely to receive treatment. Rooted in healing-informed and culturally affirming principles, this training prepares community responders to fill the gap between clinical services and the lived realities of Black families.
Training Dates and Times
- Jul 16, 2026 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Aug 6, 2026 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Key Topics Covered
- Matrescence: the physiological and psychological transition to parenthood
- Overview of all PMADs, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis
- Racial disparities in perinatal mental health — data, causes, and community impact
- The Superwoman Schema and cultural expressions of distress in Black women
- Weathering, chronic stress, and the health effects of racism
- Healing-informed and trauma-informed care principles
- Culturally affirming communication and support strategies
- De-escalation and crisis intervention techniques
- Self-care for providers: managing secondary trauma and compassion fatigue
- Community advocacy, policy literacy, and navigating parental rights
Certification & Continuing Education
Participants who complete all five modules will receive a Certificate of Completion as a Perinatal Mental Health Community Responder. Continuing education credit applications are currently in progress, and updates will be communicated as soon as they are available.
Disclosure statement
During the past 24 months, the following planning committee members, moderators, and speakers have no financial relationship with an ineligible company that might potentially be bias or impact the content of the educational activity/session.
Names of the planners/moderators/speakers: Aza Nedhari, Nikia Grayson, Amr Madkhour, Nia Kilimanjaro, Dara Ogunsakin
Registration
The registration link is forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Perigee Fund grant covers all participants at no cost — a $250 value.
- Community health workers and peer support specialists
- Frontline health care team members
- Doulas, midwives, and birth workers
- Faith leaders and community advocates
- Social workers and case managers
- Parents, family members, and trusted community members
- Anyone passionate about Black maternal mental health equity
No. This training is designed for community members and clinicians alike. The goal of this training is to equip you with effective mental health support skills, no matter what role you’re in.
The training is 4.5 hours, facilitated in-person by two licensed therapists. A virtual live option is also available. All materials are included. Exact dates and locations will be shared at registration.
Yes. Participants who complete all five modules receive a Certificate of Completion as a Perinatal Mental Health Community Responder.
You can reach out to our workforce development team via email at training@mamatotovillage.org.