press release -

Press release

March 20, 2025

Rupani Foundation Champions Maternal Mental Health at Texas State Capitol and Austin Club

On March 18, 2025, The Rupani Foundation joined lawmakers, nonprofit leaders, and advocates at the Texas State Capitol for Maternal Mental Health Day, shining a spotlight on the urgent need to strengthen maternal mental health services across the state. The day’s events, which culminated in a networking dinner at the Austin Club, fostered cross-sector collaboration and policy-focused dialogue to advance the health and well-being of Texas mothers and families.

Throughout the day, the Rupani Foundation delegation met with members of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate to discuss the urgent need for improved maternal mental healthcare. The delegation presented findings from its Task Force on Gaps in Health and Behavioral Health Services and Supports, highlighting the top ten barriers to maternal mental healthcare, including limited transportation, lack of wraparound services, and unaffordable childcare. These systemic issues severely impact early childhood development and the overall well-being of Texas families.

The Rupani Foundation USA was formally recognized in the Texas House and the Senate for its leadership in maternal mental health interventions, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and comprehensive support programs for mothers and families. Through a combination of research, policy advocacy, and community-driven initiatives, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in bridging healthcare access gaps and delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care that improves outcomes for both mothers and children.

A Collaborative Approach to Maternal Mental Health

The Rupani Foundation advocates for a collaborative service delivery model, leveraging philanthropic and public resources to eliminate barriers to care and ensure equitable access to essential services for all Texas families. Through its initiatives, Rupani Foundation USA has played a vital role in addressing maternal mental health challenges by integrating Early Childhood Development programs and other interventions that support both mothers and their children.

“Maternal mental health is not just a women’s issue—it is a family, community, and societal issue,” said Mr. Rupani, Chairman of the Rupani Foundation. “When mothers struggle with mental health challenges, the ripple effect impacts their children, families, and the broader community. At the Rupani Foundation, we are committed to working alongside policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to develop sustainable solutions that address these barriers. Through strategic partnerships and innovative service models, we can transform the way maternal mental health care is delivered in Texas, ensuring that no mother is left without the support she needs.”

Azizullah Baig, Chief Executive Officer of the Rupani Foundation, emphasized the urgency of addressing maternal mental health as a public health priority: “Too many mothers face unnecessary obstacles when seeking mental health care. The lack of accessible services not only harms the well-being of mothers but also affects the developmental outcomes of their children. By bridging gaps in maternal mental health care, we are investing in the future of our communities. We urge state leaders to collaborate with us in developing policies that prioritize maternal mental health, making comprehensive care a reality for every family in Texas.”

Legislative Support and Next Steps

State lawmakers expressed strong support for advancing maternal mental health and the efforts of the Rupani Foundation, recognizing the importance of community-driven, sustainable solutions to improve outcomes for mothers and families across Texas.

The Rupani Foundation seeks continued collaboration with state leaders to implement practical solutions and long-term policy reforms that prioritize maternal mental health and family well-being.