HR395: HR395 Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; month of May; designate

25 LC 60 0087 House Resolution 395 By: Representatives Cannon of the 58th, Miller of the 62nd, Clark of the 108th, Bazemore of the 69th, and Paris of the 142nd A RESOLUTION Designating the month of May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, over 100,000 babies are born in the State of Georgia each year; and3 WHEREAS, between 10 and 20 percent of new and expectant mothers a r e a f f e c t e d b y4 perinatal depression and related mood disorders, such as anxiet y and psychosis, and5 frequently experience symptoms which are overlooked and heavily stigmatized, causing6 them to feel confused, ashamed, and isolated; and7 WHEREAS, perinatal depression and related mood disorders affect all women and teenage8 girls equally, regardless of their age, race, or income level; and9 WHEREAS, perinatal depression is highly treatable with therapeu tic intervention such as10 medication, professional therapy and counseling, support groups , and community support11 services, including crisis hotlines, but there is a general lac k of knowledge of and use of12 screening and assessment tools for perinatal depression and related mood disorders; and13 H. R. 395 - 1 - 25 LC 60 0087 WHEREAS, many women at risk for perinatal depression often do n ot seek help because14 they are not informed about perinatal depression and related mood disorders as part of their15 healthcare; and16 WHEREAS, if left untreated, perinatal depression and related mo od disorders in new and17 expectant mothers can have a profound impact on families and si gnificantly contribute to18 adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes and attachment disorders in young children;19 and20 WHEREAS, to promote maternal and infant mental health in the State of Georgia, there is21 a need for heightened awareness and increased education among a ll citizens in this state22 regarding the incidence of perinatal depression and related moo d disorders and the23 availability of prenatal screening tools and treatment, prevention, and support services.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that25 the members of this body:26 (1) Designate May of each year as Maternal Mental Health Aware ness Month in the27 State of Georgia;28 (2) Encourage officials and departments of state, county, and municipal governments,29 businesses, and all citizens to participate in appropriate prog rams and activities that30 facilitate increased awareness and education about perinatal and related mood disorders31 throughout each May during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; and32 (3) Respectfully request the Governor to issue annually a proclamation recognizing May33 in the State of Georgia as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and call upon the34 people in the State of Georgia to observe the month with approp riate programs and35 activities.36 H. R. 395 - 2 - 25 LC 60 0087 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized37 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to38 Governor Brian Kemp and the public and the press.39 H. R. 395 - 3 -