DUXBURY, Mass. — Hundreds gathered in Duxbury on Saturday to raise awareness about perinatal mental health issues and support parents facing these challenges. The second annual Postpartum Support International Climb was held, which aims to bring attention and funding to perinatal mental health care. The event kicked off at Pilgrim Church of Duxbury.
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Emily Newton, director of PSI’s The Climb program, emphasized the personal nature of the mission. "18 years ago when I had my first baby and didn’t quite feel like myself, I needed a safety net and I didn’t know how to make one," she noted.
Postpartum Support International offers support and resources for families dealing with mental health struggles during pregnancy and after childbirth. The Climb program rallies communities nationwide to raise awareness and provide support for these issues. Kelly Winter, a leader of the Duxbury event, explained that the local Climb originated from her proposal to her church’s missions committee, which led to their first event last year.
Organizers highlighted the importance of building connections to assist parents in finding support. Newton stated, "Everyone who is here, who is part of the community, is part of the connection points that will help any parent who’s going through a mental health complication just like I did."
The issue has gained particular prominence in Duxbury due to the tragic events involving Lindsay Clancy, whose three children died in 2023. Clancy’s defense claims she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and was not criminally responsible. However, organizers clarified that the Duxbury Climb was not a reaction to the Clancy case, aiming instead to broadly connect parents with mental health resources.
"We’re hoping that there’s attention and support for all moms regardless of what spectrum of support they might need," Winter added. The event raised over $30,000, surpassing its fundraising goal, with part of the funds allocated for local perinatal mental health resources.