25 LC 60 0087
House Resolution 395
By: Representatives Cannon of the 58
th
, Miller of the 62
nd
, Clark of the 108
th
, Bazemore of
the 69
th
, and Paris of the 142
nd
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; and for other
1
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 are affected by4
perinatal depression and related mood disorders, such as anxiety 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 therapeutic intervention such as10
medication, professional therapy and counseling, support groups, and community support11
services, including crisis hotlines, but there is a general lack of knowledge of and use of12
screening and assessment tools for perinatal depression and related mood disorders; and13
H. R. 395
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WHEREAS, many women at risk for perinatal depression often do not seek help because
14
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 mood disorders in new and17
expectant mothers can have a profound impact on families and significantly 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 all citizens in this state22
regarding the incidence of perinatal depression and related mood 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 Awareness 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 programs 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 appropriate programs and35
activities.36
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
37
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to38
Governor Brian Kemp and the public and the press.39
H. R. 395
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