Bill Text: NY J01646 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-05-30 - ADOPTED [J01646 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J01646-Introduced.html

Senate Resolution No. 1646

BY: Senator KRUEGER

        MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
        May  2019, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
        in the State of New York

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of  this  Legislative  Body  to  recognize
official  months  that  are  set  aside to increase awareness of serious
health conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New  York  State;
and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
memorialize  Governor  Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Maternal
Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York,  in  conjunction
with the observance of World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; and

  WHEREAS,  Over 229,500 babies are born in the State of New York each
year and the maternal health and, more specifically, the  mental  health
of  women  before,  during,  and  after  pregnancy  is an issue of great
concern to women and their families; 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; they may  also  experience  associated  symptoms,
which  are  often  overlooked  and  heavily  stigmatized because new and
expectant mothers suffering from a perinatal mood  disorder  often  feel
confused, ashamed, and isolated; and

  WHEREAS,  Many  at-risk women may not seek help because they are not
informed about perinatal depression and related mood disorders  as  part
of  their  health  care  because there is a lack of knowledge and use of
screening and assessment  tools,    and  because  they  are  unaware  of
treatment and community supportive services for perinatal depression and
related mood disorders; and

  WHEREAS,  Heightened  awareness  and  increased  education among all
residents in the State of New York regarding the incidence of  perinatal
depression is critical; and

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

  WHEREAS,  Perinatal  depression  can  have  a profound impact on the
family  and  significantly  contribute  to  adverse  developmental   and
behavioral  outcomes  and  attachment disorders in the young children of
affected women; 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;
and

  WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater  awareness  of  this
serious  health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019,  as  Maternal
Mental  Health  Awareness  Month  in  the  State  of New York; and be it
further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to  The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
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