Virginia Health Care Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Rachel L. Rees, CEO
Virginia Health Care Foundation
(804) 828-5804
rrees@vhcf.org

RICHMOND, Va., September 10, 2025 — Maternal mental health conditions, if left untreated, can lead to poor health outcomes, even maternal death, yet many families lack access to affordable care. Nearly one-third of Virginia counties are considered maternal health deserts, with limited access to maternal healthcare services.

The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) officially launched It Takes a Village (ITAV), the Commonwealth’s new statewide maternal mental health program on September 3. The ITAV grants began in August. This groundbreaking initiative makes low- or no-cost counseling available to pregnant and postpartum Virginians — both in-person and via telehealth — with services offered in English and Spanish.

“Maternal mental health is a pressing public health issue and a strong predictor of the health of a family,” said Rachel L. Rees, VHCF’s Chief Executive Officer. “One in eight mothers in Virginia experiences a maternal mental health condition. With It Takes a Village, we’re making it easier for moms across the Commonwealth to get the care they need and deserve.”

Through ITAV, VHCF is partnering with community-based and healthcare safety net  organizations statewide to connect moms to behavioral health therapists. Counseling is offered at little to no cost, and no referral is needed.

This initiative is made possible by generous support from Commonwealth of Virginia via the 2025 MOMnibus package. 

“It Takes a Village launching within 60 days of the Virginia MOMnibus going into effect shows the urgency of our maternal mental health efforts,” said Delegate Candi Mundon King. “Many thanks to the Virginia Health Care Foundation for leading this effort and showing the moms of Virginia that maternal mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for thriving families and communities. When we invest in a mother’s wellbeing, we invest in the foundation of our future, because truly, it does take a village to ensure no mother faces her mental health challenges alone.

“I was proud to introduce and secure funding in this year’s state budget to support this life-changing initiative,” said Delegate Rae Cousins. “As a mother, I know how important it is to have access to mental health services and how difficult it is for too many Virginians to find the care they need. This initiative represents a critical step we have taken as a Commonwealth to expand access to these services and bridge the divide, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for improved maternal healthcare.”

In addition, VHCF is funding behavioral health workforce development opportunities for Virginia’s regional and statewide perinatal support organizations. These organizations will connect individuals to ITAV’s behavioral health providers. ITAV serves individuals covered by Cardinal Care (Virginia’s Medicaid program), commercial insurance, and uninsured Virginians. 

“We’re deeply thankful to our members and partners whose collaboration makes initiatives like It Takes a Village possible. Together, we’re ensuring more mothers and families across Virginia receive the timely support they deserve,” said Cheryl Roberts, Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). DMAS is the Virginia state agency responsible for administering Cardinal Care.

For more information about It Takes a Village and a full list of participating locations, visit: https://www.vhcf.org/ittakesavillage/

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with so many committed organizations and leaders to help increase access to maternal mental health in Virginia, and for the Commonwealth’s investment in these services,” Rees said. “Our partnerships are increasing positive outcomes for mothers, babies, and families across Virginia.”

About the Virginia Health Care Foundation

The Virginia Health Care Foundation is a non-profit public/private partnership with a mission to increase access to primary health care for uninsured and medically underserved Virginians. The Foundation was initiated by the General Assembly and its Joint Commission on Health Care in 1992.

It has helped more than 900,000 uninsured and medically underserved Virginians obtain the health care they need. It has invested $17.7 million to make licensed behavioral health (BH) professionals, tele-mental health services and BH best practices, like integrated and trauma-informed care, available to Virginians and organizations throughout the Commonwealth.

Learn more at www.vhcf.org

Last Updated on September 10, 2025