IL HR0378

Declares May 2017 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Illinois.

Recognizes that 10-20% of new and expectant mothers experience perinatal depression and related mood disorders such as anxiety and psychosis.

Notes that approximately 160,000 babies are born in Illinois annually and that maternal mental health significantly impacts child development and family well-being.

Encourages state collaboration with coalitions and organizations to increase awareness and education about perinatal depression, promote prenatal screening tools, and improve access to treatment and support services.

Acknowledges that perinatal depression is highly treatable through medication, therapy, counseling, support groups, and crisis hotlines.