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HR 301

A resolution to declare May 4-10, 2026, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 16 co-sponsors

Designates May 4–10, 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote resources and screening for postpartum depression in Michigan.

adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 301

Summary of House Resolution HR 301 (2025-2026) — Michigan

Purpose

  • Declares May 4–10, 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in the State of Michigan.
  • Aims to raise awareness about maternal mental health issues, particularly postpartum depression (PPD), and to promote resources, screening, and reducing stigma.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official designation: The Michigan House of Representatives designates a one-week period (May 4–10, 2026) as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
  • Focus areas referenced in the resolution (implicit guiding themes):
    • Education on postpartum depression and other maternal health disorders.
    • Promotion of resources and support for families affected by maternal mental health conditions.
    • Encouragement to reduce stigma and barriers to seeking help, with emphasis on awareness of warning signs and treatment options.
  • No new state mandates, funding allocations, or regulatory changes are specified in the text of the resolution. The bill functions as a commemorative and awareness-raising declaration.

Affected Entities

  • Primary: Residents of Michigan, particularly families and new mothers experiencing postpartum depression or other maternal mental health concerns.
  • Health professionals and providers: Encouraged by the resolution to screen for maternal health disorders, discuss risks, and connect patients with treatment options (though the resolution itself does not impose mandates).
  • Community organizations and public health stakeholders: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities during the designated week.

Background Data Presented

  • Postpartum Depression (PPD) is described as a serious mental health condition that can occur up to a year after pregnancy.
  • Statistics cited:
    • Approximately 1 in 8 women experience PPD symptoms after childbirth.
    • Michigan’s PPD rate positioned 22nd among 46 states at 11.6% of women with a recent live birth reporting depressive symptoms in 2023.
    • PPD diagnosis rates increased from 9.4% (2010) to 19% (2021).
    • Racial disparities noted: up to 40% of Black and Latina mothers experience PPD, roughly double the rate of White mothers.
    • Screening and treatment gaps highlighted: less than 20% screened; about 50% of mothers with PPD undiagnosed; fewer than 15% receive treatment.
  • Therapeutic options cited: psychotherapy and medication, with up to 80% of individuals experiencing PPD potentially achieving full recovery with appropriate treatment and support.

Timelines and Procedural Details

  • Introduction and adoption: HR 301 was introduced and adopted on April 30, 2026.
  • Effective date: The resolution designates the week of May 4–10, 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in Michigan.
  • Status: House resolution (non-binding) recognizing and promoting awareness; no legislative changes to statutes, funding, or state administrative rules are attached.

Implications

  • Raises public awareness about maternal mental health issues and the importance of screening, referral, and treatment.
  • Could inspire community events, public outreach, and collaboration among healthcare providers, hospitals, and non-profits during the designated week.
  • Serves as an informational and symbolic gesture to address disparities in maternal mental health care, though it does not mandate actions or allocate resources.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Rep. Brenda Carter
  • Co-sponsors: A broad group of Michigan representatives (names listed in the bill text).

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Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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