Postpartum Depression Education Act; Department of Health to establish a public awareness campaign.
SB 1390 creates the Postpartum Depression Education Act and directs the Virginia Department of Health, working with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, to launch a statewide public awareness campaign on perinatal and postpartum depression. The campaign must educate the public about symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of early treatment, while also reducing stigma and providing culturally appropriate materials for diverse communities.
The bill also requires the Department to develop and distribute educational materials for health care providers, birthing individuals, families, community organizations, and public health agencies. Those materials must include fact sheets, resource contacts, provider guidance on screening and treatment, and information about the effects of untreated postpartum depression on maternal and infant health. In addition, the Department must maintain an online resource hub with information, provider directories, support services, and community connections, and it must submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on engagement, feedback, progress, and recommendations.
If enacted, the bill would add a new article to Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia and impose new duties on the Department of Health related to public education, resource distribution, online outreach, and annual reporting on perinatal and postpartum depression. It authorizes the Department to seek and accept public or private funding to support implementation. The measure would affect public health administration, health care providers, birthing centers, community organizations, and families by expanding state-sponsored information and referral resources for maternal mental health.
The available voting history suggests broad support at the committee level: the Senate Education and Health Committee reported the bill with amendments on a 15-0 vote and rereferred it to Finance and Appropriations. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous vote indicates generally favorable sentiment toward the bill’s public health goals and educational approach.
There is little visible opposition in the available record, but the bill’s referral to Finance and Appropriations suggests that funding and implementation costs may be the main practical issue. Potential points of discussion include whether the Department can adequately build and maintain the campaign, online hub, and reporting requirements, and whether private or public funding will be sufficient to support the program. Any amendments may also reflect concerns about scope, administrative burden, or how to ensure materials are culturally accessible and effective.