The article, “Reframing Bereavement as a Public Health Exposure: Field Notes From a Community-Based Mental Health Program in Postconflict Liberia,” argues that bereavement should be understood as a public health exposure and addressed with community-based care, not only one-on-one clinical treatment.

Pregnancy and the months after birth are a time of heightened risk for depression, and in rural Liberia few women in that period can reach mental health care. This phase, Restore Hope: Liberia began training three midwives to deliver Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) to women during pregnancy and after childbirth.

RHL is further integrating its mental health care with traditional and formal health system structures by engaging traditional midwives - one of the most trusted roles in communities. Traditional midwives will refer potential clients to RHL’s group therapy and support follow-ups. Their engagement will reduce stigma, increase access and adherence, and further strengthen RHL’s holistic model of mental health.