Brooklyn College hosted the Perinatal Mental Health Summit on April 24, bringing together clinicians, researchers, advocates, students and community leaders to address maternal and reproductive mental health across families and communities.
The daylong event, held at the Greg Jackson Center in Brownsville, was led by Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson, alongside Professors Shannon and Haroula Ntalla. Titled Relational Beginnings: Advancing Perinatal Mental Health for Parents, Infants and Families, the second annual summit was organized in partnership with United for Brownsville and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Discussions focused on perinatal grief, postpartum experiences and both maternal and paternal mental health, with emphasis on fathers and non-birthing partners. Sessions also examined dyadic and reflective group interventions rooted in attachment-based approaches as well as culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for Latina mothers and underserved communities.
“Perinatal mental health is foundational to the well-being of families,” said Anderson.
The summit highlighted Brooklyn College’s efforts to address the national perinatal mental health crisis through academic programming, community partnerships and workforce development initiatives supported by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and congressional funding backed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Institutional support is available through the college’s Advanced Certificate Program in Perinatal Mental Health.
Timed after Black Maternal Health Week, the event drew more than 200 attendees and featured interdisciplinary experts focused on urgent maternal health challenges.
Keynote speaker Dr. Solimar Santiago-Warner addressed trauma-informed and culturally responsive care, particularly around pregnancy and infant loss and the need to connect research, practice and lived experience.
“We designed this Summit to meet professionals where they are by partnering with United for Brownsville and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in Brownsville to create space not only to learn but to connect alongside interdisciplinary colleagues within our communities in meaningful ways,” said Shannon, a professor in the Early Childhood Education/Art Education Department at Brooklyn College.
Panels examined fathers’ mental health, early relational development and the experiences of Latina mothers, highlighting systemic barriers, stigma and access to culturally responsive care.
A related Presidential Lecture Series event on April 23 at Brooklyn Borough Hall featured a discussion on Black maternal health with Anderson and Liz Dozier, founder of the nonprofit Chicago Beyond.
The summit underscored the growing focus on perinatal mental health across clinical, academic and community spaces. By bringing together a wide range of voices and disciplines, the event highlighted the importance of addressing maternal and reproductive mental health through collaboration, education and culturally responsive care.
