I'm really pleased to be able to share this good news from Postpartum Support International (PSI), who held a successful fundraiser last night in New Jersey:

PSI's ANNUAL FUNDRAISER HONORING CBS CARES & COLD CASE ATTENDED BY LEGISLATORS, NATIONAL HEALTH ADVOCATES

Postpartum Support International (PSI) held their annual fundraiser last night at the Green Brook Country Club in N. Caldwell, NJ. The gala honored CBS Cares and CBS critically acclaimed series Cold Case for their groundbreaking Public Service Announcements on postpartum depression with PSI’s Excellence in Media Outreach Award.

Matthew Margo, Senior Vice-President of Program Practices at CBS accepted the awards on behalf of CBS Cares and Cold Case which were presented by Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, President of PSI.

New Jersey resident Sylvia Lasalandra, a postpartum depression survivor and the author of the book A Daughter’s Touch, was the evening’s official hostess. Dr. Alexis Menken, NJ State Coordinator for PSI and Chairperson of public relations, welcomed the guests.

Former Governor and State Senator President Richard Codey and Mary Jo Codey addressed the audience as honored guests of the evening’s program.

In addition, Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Robert Mendendez, and Manny Alvarez, MD, Health Managing Editor for FOX News and Chairman, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences for Hackensack University Medical Center, spoke to guests about legislative and advocacy efforts to prevent, detect, and treat perinatal mood disorders, a major public health issue. Presenters congratulated CBS and PSI on this groundbreaking public service announcement campaign of primetime PSAs, which will run through fall 2007.

As First Lady of New Jersey, Mrs. Codey worked tirelessly to raise awareness and increase screening for postpartum depression since making public her own personal struggles with the disorder and continues to serve in this important role today.

Governor Jon Corzine praised CBS Cares and Postpartum Support International for their groundbreaking collaboration on raising awareness of this issue.

Senator Robert Menendez acknowledged the importance of this collaboration in raising national awareness of this family issue and spoke about The MOTHERS ACT, the proposed federal legislation that will mandate education and screening for postpartum depression, based on New Jersey’s groundbreaking legislation, co-authored by himself and Senator Richard Durbin (IL). He spoke of Senator Edward Kennedy's interest and support of this legislation, which is most encouraging.

Manny Alvarez, MD, Managing Editor of Health for FOX News and Chairman of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Hackensack University Medical Center addressed the audience on Perinatal Mental Health: A Family Affair.

PSI is the world's largest organization offering support, referrals, education, training and resources to health care providers, women and their families coping with perinatal mood disorders. The organization was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman and has its home office in Santa Barbara, CA. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.

PSI has a volunteer coordinator in every one of the United States and in 26 countries around the world. PSI disseminates information and resources through the volunteer coordinators, the website and an annual conference. The goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health. For help women, partners and families may call 1.800.944.4773 (1.800.944.4PPD) or visit their website at www.postpartum.net to be directed to their local coordinator.