DE SCR35

Designates May 5, 2021, as "Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day" in Delaware.

Recognizes perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) as the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 10-20% of women, with women of color experiencing PMADs at twice the rate of Caucasian women (38% of new mothers of color).

Identifies barriers to PMAD treatment including lack of insurance coverage, social stigma, insufficient sick leave access, and lack of culturally appropriate care.

Calls for Delaware to prioritize maternal mental health by promoting awareness of PMADs and addressing social and economic barriers, including the disproportionate racial impact on access to treatment.

Recommends expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage to one year, funding mental health provider training in PMADs, ensuring 12+ weeks paid parental leave, and developing childcare assistance solutions.