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.