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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The observance of Maternal Mental Health Day at the |
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State Capitol on March 18, 2025, provides an opportunity to |
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acknowledge the significance of mental health care for expectant |
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and new mothers across the state; and |
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WHEREAS, Maternal mental health conditions, including |
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depression, anxiety, and postpartum disorders, affect |
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approximately one in five women during pregnancy or within the |
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first year after childbirth, posing substantial challenges to the |
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well-being of mothers and their families; in 2019, mental health |
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conditions were identified as the leading cause of |
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pregnancy-related deaths in Texas, accounting for 25 percent of |
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such fatalities and highlighting the critical need for |
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comprehensive mental health support for mothers; and |
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WHEREAS, The Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
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offers a variety of services to support mothers, including |
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postpartum depression screenings, mental health and substance use |
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resources, and the Healthy Texas Women Plus program, which targets |
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major health conditions contributing to maternal morbidity and |
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mortality; and |
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WHEREAS, Since 2017, the Rupani Foundation has served some |
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7,500 parents and children in the Greater Houston area, providing |
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early childhood development programs that promote education, brain |
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development, positive parenting, mental health, hygiene, and |
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nutrition; the organization further empowers families through its |
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Informed Parents Program and Brain Builders Program, and it |
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oversees behavioral health support initiatives that focus on mental |
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health awareness; in addition, the organization has launched a |
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Mental Health Task Force composed of medical experts to analyze |
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existing gaps in services and support for economically |
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disadvantaged mothers and young children; and |
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WHEREAS, Numerous other organizations and advocacy groups |
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across Texas have also played an important role in advancing |
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maternal mental health through direct services, community support |
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programs, professional training, and policy advocacy; these |
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efforts contribute to greater awareness, improved access to care, |
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and stronger networks of support for mothers and families |
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statewide; and |
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WHEREAS, It is vital that women receive the help they need to |
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successfully overcome the many challenges they may face during |
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pregnancy and postpartum, and the participants in this advocacy day |
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are to be commended for their efforts to ensure a higher standard of |
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care for mothers in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize March 18, 2025, as Maternal Mental |
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Health Day at the State Capitol and extend sincere appreciation to |
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the Rupani Foundation and the many other organizations that are |
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working to enhance the well-being of mothers and families |
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throughout Texas. |