Ohio House Passes Resolution to Recognize Perinatal Mental Health

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed House Concurrent Resolution 16, which aims to bring awareness to the importance of perinatal mental health, announced resolution sponsor, State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).

“My hope is that this resolution will draw attention to the importance of mental health for Ohio’s new and expecting mothers,” said Ray. “This is a critical issue that requires attention and support from healthcare providers, family, and society at large.

Approximately 85% of mothers experience some type of mood disturbance and postpartum psychosis affects between 1 and 2 per 1000 births. Additionally, death by suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality and accounts for about 20% of postpartum deaths.

H.C.R. 16 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.