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"Postpartum depression affects countless women worldwide, impacting their entire families, and education is essential to recognizing and treating this condition." - Mayor Richard J. Daley (10/3/2003) | |
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Knowledge is power against this devastating illness. Healthcare providers have an opportunity to play a lifesaving role in early diagnosis and proper treatment of PPD. Learn more about what healthcare professionals can do to help diagnose and treat PPD.
Please support proposed legislative initiatives that seek further understanding of and treatment for postpartum depression. |
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Local & National Events
Don't miss the opportunity to attend these forums and conferences designed for healthcare professionals. Some include the opportunity to earn CME and CEU credits.
UIC Perinatal Depression Consultation Service
This service enables healthcare providers with questions related to the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal depression to consult with expers in perinatal depression. Consultants are psychiatrists in the Women's Mental Health Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Tel: 1-800-573-6121
Women's Behavioral HealthCARE
The Women's Behavioral HealthCARE of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic seeks to advance both clinical care and education of health care professionals through leadership in research advances. Dr. Katherine Wisner and her staff are gathering information on the effects of depression during pregnancy and its effects on child development, the effectiveness of therapies for depression before and after pregnancy and the value of new treatments for bipolar illness in women.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health Web site lists current clinical trials for depression, including "Effects of Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Depression During and After Pregnancy" and "Identification and Therapy of Postpartum Depression". |
The Mother's Act #S.3529
Also known as the Mom's Opportunity to Access Health Education Research and Support for Postpartum Depression Act, this legislation will require doctors and nurses to educate every new mother and their families about postpartum depression before they leave the hospital and offer the opportunity for new mothers to be screened for postpartum depression symptoms during their first year of postnatal check-up visits. This initiative is sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ) and co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (IL), Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (CT) and Frank Lautenberg (NJ). To voice your support, contact Sen. Durbin at 202.224.2152 or email him via his Web site.
Postpartum Mood Disorders Prevention Act #SB0039
Sponsored by Sen. Don Harmon (IL) and co-sponsored by Sen. Jaqueline Y. Collins (IL), this new act provides that the Director of Public Health, in conjunction with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Board of Nursing, shall work with physicians, healthcare facilities, nurses and licensed health care workers in the State of Illinois to develop policies and procedures related to the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of postpartum mood disorders in women. To voice your support, contact Sen. Harmon at 217.782-8176.
Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act #HR20
Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, this act seeks to expand and intensify medical research on the causes, diagnosis and treatments of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. On October 15, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this legislation by a vote of 382-3. "After six long years, today marks an important step in the protracted journey for Congress to recognize postpartum depression as a national priority," said Rep. Rush before the vote. This bill will now be sent to the Senate for approval. To voice your support, contact your state senator. |
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Educational resources for healthcare providers