HR586 - Recognizing March 18, 2025, as Maternal Mental Health Day at the State Capitol.

      H.R. No. 586       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, The observance of Maternal Mental Health Day at the   State Capitol on March 18, 2025, provides an opportunity to   acknowledge the significance of mental health care for expectant   and new mothers across the state; and          WHEREAS, Maternal mental health conditions, including   depression, anxiety, and postpartum disorders, affect   approximately one in five women during pregnancy or within the   first year after childbirth, posing substantial challenges to the   well-being of mothers and their families; in 2019, mental health   conditions were identified as the leading cause of   pregnancy-related deaths in Texas, accounting for 25 percent of   such fatalities and highlighting the critical need for   comprehensive mental health support for mothers; and          WHEREAS, The Texas Health and Human Services Commission   offers a variety of services to support mothers, including   postpartum depression screenings, mental health and substance use   resources, and the Healthy Texas Women Plus program, which targets   major health conditions contributing to maternal morbidity and   mortality; and          WHEREAS, Since 2017, the Rupani Foundation has served some   7,500 parents and children in the Greater Houston area, providing   early childhood development programs that promote education, brain   development, positive parenting, mental health, hygiene, and   nutrition; the organization further empowers families through its   Informed Parents Program and Brain Builders Program, and it   oversees behavioral health support initiatives that focus on mental   health awareness; in addition, the organization has launched a   Mental Health Task Force composed of medical experts to analyze   existing gaps in services and support for economically   disadvantaged mothers and young children; and          WHEREAS, Numerous other organizations and advocacy groups   across Texas have also played an important role in advancing   maternal mental health through direct services, community support   programs, professional training, and policy advocacy; these   efforts contribute to greater awareness, improved access to care,   and stronger networks of support for mothers and families   statewide; and          WHEREAS, It is vital that women receive the help they need to   successfully overcome the many challenges they may face during   pregnancy and postpartum, and the participants in this advocacy day   are to be commended for their efforts to ensure a higher standard of   care for mothers in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize March 18, 2025, as Maternal Mental   Health Day at the State Capitol and extend sincere appreciation to   the Rupani Foundation and the many other organizations that are   working to enhance the well-being of mothers and families   throughout Texas.     Oliverson     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 586 was adopted by the House on March   31, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House