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