Policy Center Welcomes New Board Members to Enhance Expertise
The Policy Center has exciting news regarding its leadership as it announces the election of two esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors. Sarah Foster, MPH and Karen Tabb Dina, PhD, MSW, FAASWSW, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that is bound to contribute significantly to the organization’s mission as a national maternal mental health think tank.
Introducing the New Leaders
Sarah Foster, MPH, is a prominent figure with a remarkable career spanning over 25 years in federal government service. Her focus has been on developing policies and programs that enhance the health of women and families. Over the past decade, she has successfully led initiatives in key areas such as maternal mortality and the impacts of opioid use disorder on women and infants. Foster holds a BS in Biology and a master’s degree in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan. She views policy as a pivotal tool in improving population health and is particularly passionate about maternal mental health.
Expertise of Karen Tabb Dina
Joining her on the board is Dr. Karen Tabb Dina, a Full Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Social Work. Renowned in her field, Dr. Tabb Dina is recognized internationally for her research in perinatal mental health and advocacy for minority health and maternal wellness. With over 130 peer-reviewed publications and a fellowship with the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, her influence in advancing perinatal outcomes is substantial. Her recent projects focus on addressing racial disparities in postpartum care and enhancing community support systems for new parents.
Strengthening the Policy Center's Leadership Team
The addition of Foster and Dr. Tabb Dina significantly enhances the Policy Center's board, which also includes notable professionals such as Carla Eckhardt Taracena, MSc, who serves as Board Chair, and Jaime Cabrera, MPH, the Incoming Board Chair. Other members bring diverse expertise from various sectors, including health policy, social science, and clinical operations. Each board member plays an integral role in guiding the organization towards improving maternal mental health across the nation.
Vision and Future Directions
CEO Joy Burkhard emphasized that these new board appointments contribute to the overall mission of the Policy Center. She remarked, “The election of these new members enhances the expertise of our board and staff in facilitating health policy changes necessary to improve the health and well-being of U.S. mothers and families.”
Carla Eckhardt also expressed her enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “It’s an honor to welcome Sarah and Dr. Tabb Dina. Their combined experience will be invaluable in our efforts to improve maternal mental health care delivery.”
About the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
The Policy Center is dedicated to preventing the suffering of mothers, babies, and families caused by untreated maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression. Their initiative has shifted the discourse from merely raising awareness to actively addressing systemic healthcare gaps. The organization aims to drive meaningful change through content tailored for diverse audiences that examines barriers and identifies effective solutions grounded in evidence-based practice.
For those who wish to learn more, you can visit the official website at www.PolicyCenterMMH.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health?
The Policy Center focuses on addressing maternal mental health disorders, advocating for policy changes, and improving care delivery for mothers and families.
Who are the newly elected board members?
The newly elected board members are Sarah Foster, MPH, and Karen Tabb Dina, PhD, MSW, FAASWSW, both of whom bring extensive experience in health policy and research.
What expertise does Sarah Foster offer?
Sarah Foster brings over 25 years of experience in developing health policies aimed at improving women's health, particularly in maternal health issues.
What are Dr. Karen Tabb Dina's research interests?
Her research interests include perinatal mental health, minority health, and strategies to address disparities in postpartum care.
How does the Policy Center impact maternal mental health?
The Policy Center works to close gaps in health delivery systems and improve maternal mental health outcomes through policy advocacy and community engagement.
