Memorandum
Date: May 3, 2022
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Johanna DeLong, Assistant Clerk of the Board
Subject: Adopt Proclamation Designating May, 2022 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
Executive Summary
Proclamation
Designating the Month of May 2022 as
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Lake County
WHEREAS: Maternal mental health is an issue of great concern to Lake County’s parents, families, and health care providers, and
WHEREAS: These disorders can affect any mother, regardless of age, race, or income level, and
WHEREAS: Many women are not adequately informed about, screened, or treated for pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders; and
WHEREAS: Heightened awareness and stigma reduction are essential for improving outcomes for mothers, children, families, and communities, and
WHEREAS: Pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are highly treatable through therapeutic intervention, community-based supportive services, and medication; and
WHEREAS: Health service providers and community support systems must be able to identify risk factors and symptoms in order to provide prompt diagnosis, treatment, and support services that enable full and speedy recovery, and
WHEREAS: Mother-Wise is a proactive program that helps mothers and families through the transition with a new baby to prevent and lessen the effects of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Funded through Lake County Behavioral Health by Proposition 63-The Mental Health Services Act, Mother-Wise provides the support and services necessary to meet our mission of helping new moms understand that if they feel depressed they are not alone, and effective resources are available to support them. For over 12years, Mother-Wise has provided this essential support free of charge to thousands of mothers and families in Lake County. Last year, Mother-Wise became a nonprofit organization strengthening our dedication and commitment to moms in Lake County. Mother-Wise conducts maternal mental health screenings, offers peer support and mothers’ groups, host an online Village community, and operates a closet of maternity and baby items given to local families. These services, which help new moms create a network of support close to home reach over 1,000 Lake County mothers and families annually. Mother-Wise supports all of the grandmothers, daughters, aunties, sisters, and mothers of Lake County coming together in support of maternal mental health month. Maternal mental health now leads to stronger families and communities tomorrow.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Lake does hereby designate the month of May, 2022 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and does commend this observance to all citizens.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of May, 2022
ATTEST: SUSAN PARKER COUNTY OF LAKE
Interim Clerk of the Board
___________________________ ______________________
By: Deputy Chair, Board of Supervisors
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Recommended Action: Adopt Proclamation Designating May, 2022 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.