KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Kenosha County Behavioral Health Services has launched a new initiative designed to help pregnant women address the challenges of mental health and substance use during pregnancy. The resource, titled “Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, Stigma, and Pregnancy,” is now available to the public both online and in brochure form. Officials say the goal is to empower women with tools, reduce stigma, and ensure healthier outcomes for both mother and child.
The guide covers a range of issues commonly faced during pregnancy, including mental health struggles, substance use, and the stigma often attached to seeking help. It also outlines safe-haven options for newborns, prenatal and postpartum care strategies, and includes a well-being plan for expectant and new mothers. This plan allows women to track their emotions, experiences, and needs in a format they can share directly with healthcare providers. In addition, the resource includes a directory for providers who work with pregnant and postpartum women managing these challenges.
“Pregnancy is an exciting time that comes with a mix of emotions and challenges,” said Kari Foss, Director of the Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services. She noted that while many women experience joy and anticipation, others face stress and anxiety, which can be compounded by mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and the stigma surrounding them. “Add a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, and the stigma surrounding these concerns into the mix, and the pregnancy can become even more challenging for you,” Foss said.
Lisa Koenen, Behavioral Health Outreach Coordinator, emphasized that the project’s purpose is to provide easy access to resources that too often go underutilized. By normalizing conversations about these struggles and offering concrete tools, she said the county hopes to encourage more women to seek help early, rather than feeling isolated or ashamed. The resource reflects a broader push by Kenosha County to integrate mental health support into all aspects of community health.
The resource can be accessed through the county’s website at https://bit.ly/KCBHpregnancy, and brochures are available for download. County officials stressed that making these materials widely available is central to breaking down barriers and ensuring that pregnant women and new mothers are not left to navigate these challenges alone.
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3 Responses
This amazing press-worthy “resource” is a brochure? A brochure with lots of missing info. great job Kirkman and team. I’m sure pregnant people in kenosha who need help will find great comfort in this flimsy piece of paper. another brilliant display of your tax dollars hard at work.
Hopefully it’s something like PreBorn. We don’t need another taxpayer-funded murder facility.
no, even better, it’s actually just a brochure, not joking