2024 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 75
BY SENATOR MCMATH
A RESOLUTION
To designate Wednesday May 1, 2024, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day in the
state of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, the United States Health and Human Services Department, Office on
Women's Health reports that one in eight women experience postpartum depression in the
year following birth; and
WHEREAS, death by suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality and accounts
for approximately 20% of postpartum deaths; and
WHEREAS, the majority of these types of deaths are preventable; and
WHEREAS, maternal death results in negative family and economic impacts to
families and the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, 12% of women in Louisiana reported experiencing postpartum
depression after giving birth; and
WHEREAS, approximately 75% of women experiencing maternal mental health
conditions such as perinatal and postpartum depression, anxiety, and birth-related PTSD, go
undiagnosed and untreated; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana ranks 46th for maternal mortality and has consistently been
ranked in the top five states for maternal mortality; and
WHEREAS, Woman's Hospital is opening a perinatal mental health unit in
September 2024, which will be only one of four in the United States and the only one in
Louisiana; and
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WHEREAS, this unit will serve women throughout their pregnancy and up to one
year postpartum, providing women in Louisiana with critical health services.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
hereby designate Wednesday, May 1, 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day in
the state of Louisiana and does hereby recognize the commitment of Woman's Hospital to
provide mental health services to pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chief executive officer of Woman's Hospital.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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