Event to raise awareness of perinatal mental health conditions

The South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative, part of South Dakota State University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, in collaboration with Postpartum Support International – South Dakota, will host a walk and fundraiser to raise awareness about perinatal mental health issues on Saturday, May 23.
 
Climb Out of the Darkness will begin at 1 p.m. at the Coughlin Campanile at South Dakota State University.
 
Climb Out of the Darkness aims to spark conversation, reduce stigma and support families navigating mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. 
 
Perinatal mental health conditions, such as depression, affect up to 20% of parents. As many as 800,000 people in the United States are affected each year by a perinatal mental health condition.
 
Event participants can expect guest speakers and an awareness walk, along with opportunities to raise funds that support mental health resources and peer connections for parents and families. 
 
Speakers include Stephanie Hanson, SDSU assistant professor of allied and population health and executive director of the South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative, and Elizabeth Milton, a Brookings-based therapist and owner of Tumbleweed Counseling.