Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; month of May; designate
Summary
House Resolution 395 designates May of each year as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Georgia. The resolution is focused on raising awareness of perinatal depression and related mood disorders affecting new and expectant mothers, including anxiety and psychosis, and emphasizes that these conditions are common, treatable, and often overlooked because of stigma and lack of education.
The resolution encourages state, county, and municipal officials, businesses, and the public to participate in programs and activities that increase awareness, education, screening, and access to treatment and support services. It also respectfully requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month and calls on Georgians to observe it with appropriate activities.
Impact
Because this is a House Resolution rather than a statutory bill, it does not amend the Georgia Code or create enforceable legal requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic and promotional: it formally recognizes Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, encourages public education and outreach, and seeks to elevate attention to prenatal and postpartum mental health screening, treatment, and support services for mothers and families.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive and public-health oriented. The bill’s findings frame maternal mental health as a significant but underrecognized issue affecting a substantial share of new and expectant mothers, and the resolution presents awareness, screening, and treatment as broadly beneficial. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, so there is no evidence of opposition in the available materials.
Contention
No specific points of contention are identified in the available text or legislative history. The resolution is framed in consensus terms, with the main emphasis on awareness, education, and support for maternal and infant mental health. If any disagreement existed, it is not reflected in the provided committee transcripts or voting record.
Expressing support for the designation of May 6, 2026, as "National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day" and prioritizing the goals and ideals of raising awareness and understanding of maternal mental health conditions.