HM 56
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A MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AND
OBSERVING MAY AS "NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
MONTH" IN NEW MEXICO.
WHEREAS, over twenty-two thousand babies are born in New
Mexico each year, and the maternal health, including mental
health, of women before, during and after pregnancy is an
issue of great concern to women, their families and the
state; and
WHEREAS, between ten and twenty percent of new and
expectant mothers are affected by prenatal and perinatal
depression and related mood disorders, such as anxiety and
psychosis, and may experience associated symptoms that are
often overlooked and heavily stigmatized, causing new and
expectant mothers suffering from prenatal and perinatal
depression and mood disorders to often feel confused, ashamed
and isolated; and
WHEREAS, many at-risk women may not seek help because
they are not informed about prenatal and perinatal depression
and related mood disorders as being part of prenatal and
perinatal health care due to a lack of knowledge, awareness
and use of screening and assessment tools by health care
providers and a lack of awareness of available medical
treatments and community support services; and HM 56
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WHEREAS, heightened awareness and increased education
with regard to the incidence of prenatal and perinatal
depression and related mood disorders are critical; and
WHEREAS, prenatal and perinatal depression and mood
disorders affect all categories of women and teenage girls
regardless of age, race or income level; and
WHEREAS, prenatal and perinatal depression and related
mood disorders can have a profound impact on families and
significantly contribute to adverse developmental and
behavioral outcomes and attachment disorders in the children
of affected women; and
WHEREAS, prenatal and perinatal depression and related
mood disorders are highly treatable with therapeutic
interventions, such as medication, professional therapy and
counseling, support groups and community support services,
including crisis hotlines;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the
department of health be requested to encourage collaboration
with local, state and national coalitions, organizations and
agencies that are informed on and devoted to the field of
maternal health care to facilitate increased awareness and
education about prenatal and perinatal depression and related
mood disorders; explore and encourage the use of prenatal
screening tools; and improve the availability of and access HM 56
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to effective treatment, prevention and support services to
promote maternal and infant mental health care throughout New
Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that national maternal mental
health awareness month be observed in May in New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be
transmitted to the secretary of health.