Dr. Marianela Rodríguez Reynaldo
Principal Investigator
Project Title:
Mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant and postpartum women
For the past 15 years, I have specialized in perinatal mental health. I receive and impart continuous training on the unique emotional needs of the maternal-infant population. My work with perinatal women and families has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and barriers they face to identify mental health needs and receive treatment. As a Mental Health Consultant for the Puerto Rico Department of Health, I studied maternal mental health and resilience after the Hurricane season of 2017. This experience strengthened my ability to work as part of a research team and establish realistic and attainable investigative goals. It also has given me the skills and expertise to lead the present pilot project which intends to identify the mental health status of pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration established with leading researchers in the field of maternal mental health through the COVGEN.org initiative is a particular strength for the proposed research. As a seasoned psychologist working with vulnerable populations, I know first-hand the importance of engaging and listening to the needs of the clients.
marianela.rodriguez@upr.edu
Centro de Salud Mental Perinatal de Puerto Rico