“In Los Angeles County, one in three mothers report feeling
depressed during their pregnancy. Left untreated, maternal depression can lead to long-term depression in the mother, a lack of emotional availability for the baby and detrimental outcomes in the development of the fetus, newborn and growing child. It is important that we educate women and their families about maternal depression and ways to cope,†said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.
he first Perinatal Depression Awareness Month was declared in 2010 in Los Angeles County by the Board of Supervisors. It coincides with Mother’s Day and is to be recognized every May.
As part of the observance, the Task Force will be providing the following events and materials:
◠“Done in a Day†(May 1st – 31st): In partnership with Los
Angeles-area Junior Leagues, all women that give birth in the county at any hospital during the month of May will receive information on perinatal depression and related mood disorders.
â— The Community Providers Perinatal Mental Health Tool Kit: An easy-to-use resource with important information on signs, symptoms, risk factors, effects, screening, assessment, prevention, and intervention for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This toolkit was created by
experts for a wide array of providers, including pediatricians, OB/GYNs, primary health care providers, mental health professionals as well as community based providers such as promotoras and case managers.
For more information about the Tool Kit, contact the LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force through its website:http://laperinatalmentalhealth.com/.
â— Trainings for call centers such as the 2-1-1 LA County Information Line, Spanish-speaking promotoras via Esperanza House, and many community health and mental health care providers.
â— A public awareness anti-stigma messaging campaign featuring the bilingual informational brochure “6 Things Every New Mom and Mom to Be Should Know About Maternal Depression†and the “Speak Up When You’re Down†bilingual poster. To order these materials, contact the Task Force at its website.
The LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force is a volunteer network and project of Community Partners. Its mission is to remove the barriers
to prevention, screening and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression in Los Angeles County.
For more information: http://laperinatalmentalhealth.com/.
