Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 395: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; month of May; designate

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 28, 2025 · Introduced

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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 other purposes.

WHEREAS, over 100,000 babies are born in the State of Georgia each year; and

WHEREAS, between 10 and 20 percent of new and expectant mothers are affected by perinatal depression and related mood disorders, such as anxiety and psychosis, and frequently experience symptoms which are overlooked and heavily stigmatized, causing them to feel confused, ashamed, and isolated; and

WHEREAS, perinatal depression and related mood disorders affect all women and teenage girls equally, regardless of their age, race, or income level; and

WHEREAS, perinatal depression is highly treatable with therapeutic intervention such as medication, professional therapy and counseling, support groups, and community support services, including crisis hotlines, but there is a general lack of knowledge of and use of screening and assessment tools for perinatal depression and related mood disorders; and

WHEREAS, many women at risk for perinatal depression often do not seek help because they are not informed about perinatal depression and related mood disorders as part of their healthcare; and

WHEREAS, if left untreated, perinatal depression and related mood disorders in new and expectant mothers can have a profound impact on families and significantly contribute to adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes and attachment disorders in young children; and

WHEREAS, to promote maternal and infant mental health in the State of Georgia, there is a need for heightened awareness and increased education among all citizens in this state regarding the incidence of perinatal depression and related mood disorders and the availability of prenatal screening tools and treatment, prevention, and support services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body:

(1) Designate May of each year as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of Georgia;

(2) Encourage officials and departments of state, county, and municipal governments, businesses, and all citizens to participate in appropriate programs and activities that facilitate increased awareness and education about perinatal and related mood disorders throughout each May during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; and

(3) Respectfully request the Governor to issue annually a proclamation recognizing May in the State of Georgia as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and call upon the people in the State of Georgia to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Governor Brian Kemp and the public and the press.