Title
To designate May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders - including depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, mania, and psychosis - are pervasive but treatable illnesses with real and long-term consequences for mothers, babies, and families; and
WHEREAS, untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or the first year postpartum negatively affect birth outcomes and infant development, and can have a negative impact on the entire family; and
WHEREAS, up to 80% of new mothers - regardless of race, age, culture, or socioeconomic status - experience changes in their emotional health following childbirth, while up to 20% of pregnant women and new mothers experience moderate to severe symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; and
WHEREAS, approximately 1-2 women in 1,000 will develop postpartum psychosis, a medical emergency that poses an immediate threat of suicide or infanticide; and
WHEREAS, with proper awareness, education, intervention, and resources, these perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are nearly 100% treatable; and
WHEREAS, the goals of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month are to increase awareness and knowledge about maternal mental health, encourage pregnant women and new mothers to obtain mental health assistance as needed, and develop a collaborative care network for the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women and families; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby designate May as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Columbus.