Maternal Support Program Has Expanded Across Colorado

The YANA nonprofit now offers postpartum peer support services at four medical facilities.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Child Care

Bold vector editorial illustration of two soft knitted blankets on a wooden chair, representing a new family support program. — The maternal support nonprofit YANA has expanded its peer-to-peer services to four Colorado hospitals to provide better postpartum care for new parents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel your local community provides sufficient support resources for new parents?

The maternal support nonprofit YANA has established a peer-to-peer network across four Colorado hospitals. The program helps new parents by providing in-person gatherings, digital resources, and volunteer-led check-in calls after discharge.

Why it matters

The organization was created to address critical gaps in postpartum care for new families. The initiative stems from efforts to prevent maternal tragedies that took place in 2016 and 2017.

YANA currently operates in 4 Colorado hospitals, including sites in Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, and Colorado Springs. Approximately 7,000 mothers have signed up for the program since its inception.

The players

YANA

This is a maternal support nonprofit that offers peer-to-peer resources for new parents.

UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital

This is a medical partner facility that hosts the YANA maternal support program.

AdventHealth Parker

This is a medical partner hospital located in Parker that provides space for the nonprofit.

AdventHealth Castle Rock

This is a medical partner facility that participates in the YANA maternal support initiative.

The details

Volunteers connect with parents in maternity units before they leave the hospital to provide resources and contact lists. The organization facilitates access to specialists who focus on infant sleep, maternal mental health, and car seat safety.

The initial maternal tragedy occurred in 2016.
A second maternal tragedy occurred in 2017.
A fundraiser benefit is scheduled for Nov. 14.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the national maternal mortality crisis, reflecting a broader shift toward community-led support models for postpartum care. It highlights an increasing emphasis on filling gaps left by traditional clinical systems through peer-driven networks.

New parents at participating hospitals can access direct peer support and specialized guidance without additional costs. Families should speak with volunteers in maternity units prior to discharge to receive information on available digital groups and resources.

The takeaway

Postpartum support programs provide essential resources that bridge the gap between hospital discharge and pediatric follow-up care. Parents are encouraged to utilize peer-to-peer groups early to ensure they have the necessary mental health and safety support.