A Congressional hearing has been scheduled for May 1 on the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act!
The voices of women's and children's advocates need to be heard loudly, clearly, and in large numbers if this legislation has a hope of being ratified this time around - Here are some sample messages for the key members of Congress, in support of the Blocker-Stokes Act. Contact them well BEFORE May 1:
Dear Chairman Dingell:
We, the undersigned organization [ or individual voter ], are the primary caregivers and health professionals, the service providers and program administrators, and therapists and researchers serving women suffering from postpartum depression. We call on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to support the immediate consideration and passage of H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act.
This legislation will provide immediate attention and resources towards one of the most commonly undiagnosed conditions after childbirth, postpartum depression. There will be over 400,000 new cases this year, making this the single most frequent serious complication of pregnancy. Less than 15 percent of those women will not receive any treatment; however, with treatment over 90 percent of these patients can overcome their depression.
H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act tackles the problem in the medical trenches where providers are in a position to immediately diagnose and treat postpartum disorders; and in the research laboratory where scientists endeavor to understand the physiology behind the illness. Thank you for your immediate attention and support of this legislation.
Sincerely,
Cc: Ranking Member Barton
To personalize for YOUR member of Congress:
Date
Dear Congressman X:
I write to ask you support and cosponsor H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. This legislation will provide immediate attention and resources towards one of the most commonly undiagnosed conditions after childbirth, postpartum depression.
There will be over 400,000 new cases this year, making this the single most frequent serious complication of pregnancy. Less than 15 percent of women will not receive any treatment; however, with treatment over 90 percent of these patients can overcome their depression. Most primary caregivers, including OB/GYNs, pediatrician, and family practitioners do not have the time or training to address this problem—even the best of them will only identify 40 percent of cases.
Specifically, H.R. 20 would:
1) Prioritize postpartum depression and psychosis by expanding research on the mental illness; and
2) By establishing grants for the operation and coordination of cost-effective delivery systems of essential services to afflicted individuals and their families.
The bill tackles the problem in the medical trenches where providers are in a position to immediately diagnose and treat postpartum disorders; and in the research laboratory where scientists endeavor to understand the physiology behind the illness. Thank you for your immediate attention and support of this legislation.
Sincerely,
For more about the tragic, and preventable, story of Melanie and the family she left behind, click here.
