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Proclaiming June 21, 2011 to be known as Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Day in the City of Saint Paul in conjunction with the 6th Annual Beyond the Baby Blues Conference.
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WHEREAS; pregnancy and postpartum (perinatal) mood disorders, which include depression, anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, mania, and psychosis, are pervasive but treatable illnesses which occur in approximately 1 out of 8 pregnancies and postpartum women; and
WHEREAS; perinatal mental health, or the emotional well-being of pregnant women, their child, partner and families affects women and families regardless of income or ethnicity, must be seen as a primary concern for the health and safety of all Minnesotans; and
WHEREAS, every untreated case of maternal depression in Minnesota is estimated to cost society at least $23,000 per year, in terms of lost productivity for both mother and child and increased health care costs; and
WHEREAS; research has shown that untreated perinatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum negatively affects birth outcomes, infant development and is a stronger risk factor for child behavioral problems than smoking, binge drinking and emotional or physical domestic violence; and
WHEREAS; reliable, evidence-based methods for risk evaluation, screening, and treatment have been developed and could be adopted in by health and education providers; and
WHEREAS; provider education and public awareness regarding maternal mental health is a public health priority; and
WHEREAS; the need for accessible local, state, and federal resources for screening, assessment, referrals, and treatment for all childbearing families and their providers is great;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council in collaboration with Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota (PPSM), Postpartum Support International, Minnesota (PSI-MN), NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Fairview Health Services, and the University of Minnesota ...
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