Recognizing Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness about maternal mental health and its effects on maternal-child health.

Legislation Details

Recognizes May 5-11, 2024, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
Highlights the importance of maternal mental health for families and society.
Notes that maternal mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, are common during pregnancy and postpartum.
States that these disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated, affecting many women and families.
Reports that less than 15% of affected mothers receive treatment due to healthcare system barriers.
Links untreated maternal mental health disorders to negative birth outcomes and developmental issues in children.
Indicates that approximately 800,000 mothers are impacted annually by these disorders.
Estimates the annual cost of untreated maternal mental health disorders in the U.S. at $14.2 billion.
Identifies maternal mental health conditions as a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, with a significant percentage tied to suicide or overdose.
Recognizes the blue dot as a symbol of maternal mental health awareness and support.
Aims to raise awareness, remember those lost, and promote support for mothers and families during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mentions recent advancements in drug treatments and digital therapeutics for postpartum depression.
Calls for more research and innovation to better understand and address maternal mental health disorders.
Emphasizes the need to address workforce shortages in obstetric and mental health care.
Identifies risk factors for maternal mental health disorders, particularly among low-income mothers facing instability.
Acknowledges the ongoing toll of maternal mental health conditions, especially on underserved populations.
Supports initiatives to raise awareness, recognize maternal mental health as a public health issue, honor those lost, encourage research, and improve access to treatment.

Recognizing Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness about maternal mental health and its effects on maternal-child health.

Cosponsors