Brooke Shields and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Herald New Era in Maternal Mental Health
The lovely and gracious Brooke Shields thrilled the participants at a press conference as she took the stage with U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and other NJ advocates to proclaim victory for America's mothers on May 10.Here are pictures from the event: http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/galleries/gallery/?id=89963b3a-bc68-...
Just back from a European tour, starring in a Broadway play and releasing a new movie, "Furry Vengeance," Shields took time from her packed schedule to demonstrate her commitment to the issue she has long championed - maternal mental health.
Standing among the participants of mothers and their babies, (who included PPD blogger Ivy Shih Leung and her daughter) advocates and health care professionals, Shields declared the role closest to her heart would always be that of mother. She became emotional when thanking Senator Menendez and the group of advocates for this "best Mother's Day gift ever".
Senator Menendez, who has tirelessly worked to include this bill in the recently passed health care reform legislation, spoke about the many benefits this legislation will bring to maternal mental health including further research, public awareness campaigns and grants for programs supportive to new and pregnant women struggling with these disorders.
He recognized the efforts of Former N.J. First Lady Mary Jo Codey and her husband Governor Richard Codey in having initiated the nation's first state based law requiring attention to these illnesses, screening and education of health care professionals. Mary Jo's program "Speak Up When You're Down", has saved lives and brought awareness to New Jersey families and is now a template for other state based programs across the country. Senator Menendez speaking to Mary Jo stated, "Without your efforts, we would not be here today".
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