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.