A first-of-its-kind Postpartum Depression (PPD) Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Chicago, sponsored by The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Foundation and Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) is expected to attend, where he will be honored with the first Melanie Stokes Leadership Award for his tireless advocacy on behalf of women, children, and families.

When passed by the US Congress, The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act (HR 20) will provide for research on and services for women with postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum psychosis (PPP) - the condition that took Melanie's life soon after giving birth to her daughter.