The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has sent out an Action Alert concerning The Mothers Act (H.R. 20 and S. 1375.)
If you'd like to take action, it's very easy!! You just go to the following web page and fill out an e-mail form that automatically goes out to your senators and representatives, according to your zip code:
http://capwiz.com/ndmda/issues/alert/?alertid=11246546
Below is the actual Action Alert from the DBSA:
Urgent Request! We Need Your Help NOW!
Speak out in Full Support of Postpartum Depression Legislation.
We Must Speak Out in Full Support of Postpartum Depression Legislation NOW.
You may have heard the complaints on the internet lately; asking readers to block passage of legislation to help new mothers and their families cope with postpartum depression. The House and Senate both have legislation - H.R. 20 and S. 1375 - that some mistakenly believe is a conspiracy to push new mothers to take medication.
Tell that to the more than 800,000 women who will develop a diagnosable postpartum mood disorder this year! This does not include the 7.5% of women who will develop major depression during pregnancy.
How disappointing! Those who are speaking out against the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act obviously know little to nothing about this legislation. Some are even saying that Melanie Stokes, who took her own life after suffering this illness, was simply just sad.
This could not be farther from the truth! Ask her mother, Carol Blocker, who has dedicated her life to the passage of this protective legislation named in honor of her daughter.
This legislation does NOT recommend drugs, require drugs, or endorse drugs.
What it does is:
• Encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to expand the research into the causes of postpartum conditions and find treatments.
• Establish a national public awareness campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of PPD and psychosis.
• Make grants available for programs that develop and offer essential services to women with PPD.
Even if you have already done so, please take the time to let your representatives in Washington know that you support this vital legislation. Help counter the misinformation they are currently receiving!
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