I never thought I'd say such a thing, but there it is! I have a newfound love for NJ.

And not just because they are the first state in the nation to pass legislation mandating that medical providers and hospitals educate and screen all women for postpartum depression as part of basic perinatal care.

To coincide with the passage of this legislation, the state has also launched a new PPD public education and advocacy campaign, making the State of New Jersey a model for what can and should be done for pregnant women and new mothers throughout the nation. By reaching out to - and providing helpful resources for - women from all socioeconomic backgrounds, the health care professionals who care for them, and the state policy-makers whose decisions impact them, Jersey gets my vote for PPD Hero of the Year.

Under the tagline "Speak Up When You're Down: Recognizing Postpartum Depression," this initiative has a broad reach through a beautiful and easy-to-navigate website, www.njspeakup.gov. There you'll find information, links, and downloadable educational materials divided by audience - one section for women and families, and another for health care professionals. And much of the information is just as useful and relevant to non-New Jersey residents as it is to those who live and work there.

For women and families, you'll find a clear and current primer on what postpartum depression (PPD) is, what it isn't, and how it can be treated. There are answers to women's "frequently asked questions," a video featuring PPD survivor Mary Jo Codey (NJ First Lady), as well as a first-person article written by one New Jersey mother who successfully recovered from PPD. A clear listing of the various types of health care providers who can help women suffering from perinatal mood disorders, with details about how to choose the right provider, helps readers take the next step. Best of all, these resources are available in both English and Spanish!

For health care providers and other professionals who work with women, the site offers free, downloadable patient brochures and posters - again, available in both English and Spanish. Professionals should also take advantage of the Educational Webinar, which covers the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders, methods for screening patients, and available treatments. A helpful article on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and its use as a screening tool is also available, plus an extensive FAQ just for professionals. For those working within the state of New Jersey, a calendar keeps you in touch with PPD-related events.

Finally, New Jersey has managed to launch and maintain a 24/7 PPD Helpline (for New Jersey residents only, please). Women or their loved ones can call any time of the day or night for empathic support, information, and referral to care providers in their local community. Jersey's PPD Helpline number is: 1.800.328.3838.

NJ First Lady Mary Jo Codey and her husband Richard have been tireless advocates for PPD awareness, education, and policy reform, both in their state and in national forums. They were instrumental in the passage of the new state legislation on PPD educatoin and screening. This bill is the first of its kind, setting a strong precedent for other states to follow. The Codeys also stand behind the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act - a brave and important piece of federal legislation that is currently on its THIRD TRY in the U.S. Congress.

First, New Jersey. Next, every other state in the union! We can and must do it.