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HRES 1256

Expressing support for the designation of May 6, 2026, as "National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day" and prioritizing the goals and ideals of raising awareness and understanding of maternal mental health conditions.

119th Congress Introduced by Robin Kelly and 2 co-sponsors

Designate May 6, 2026 as National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day to boost awareness, screening, prevention, and treatment, with emphasis on high-risk groups.

Submitted in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1256

Summary of H.Res. 1256 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Title

Expressing support for the designation of May 6, 2026, as “National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day” and prioritizing the goals and ideals of raising awareness and understanding of maternal mental health conditions.

Purpose and Intent

  • To designate May 6, 2026, as National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day.
  • To prioritize public awareness and understanding of maternal mental health conditions.
  • To emphasize the importance of screening, prevention, treatment, and research related to maternal mental health.
  • To acknowledge the disproportionate impact of maternal mental health issues on high-risk groups (e.g., servicemembers, veterans, rural mothers, medically underserved populations) and to advocate for broader awareness and support.

Key Provisions and Provisions of the Resolution

  • The resolution explicitly designates May 6, 2026, as National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day.
  • It supports national efforts to raise awareness about maternal mental health conditions, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and the impact of these conditions on high-risk communities.
  • It documents several statistics and concerns to justify the need for awareness and action, including:
    • 1 in 5 women and 1 in 3 medically underserved women experience a maternal mental health condition each year, affecting an estimated 800,000 American families.
    • A substantial portion of military-connected individuals (over one-third of active-duty service members and military spouses, and nearly one-third of retirees) are diagnosed with a maternal mental health condition during the perinatal period.
    • Maternal mental health conditions include anxiety, substance use disorder, and depression, and are among the most common perinatal health conditions.
    • About 22.5% of pregnancy-related deaths are caused by mental health conditions; roughly two-thirds of those deaths are by suicide, and about one-third by overdose.
    • 87% of pregnancy-related deaths (and 100% of deaths by suicide and overdose) are preventable.
    • Maternal mental health conditions can increase risks of infant mortality, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
    • 75% of mothers with a maternal mental health condition do not receive treatment.
    • Untreated maternal mental health conditions cost the U.S. economy approximately $14.2 billion annually due to productivity losses, preterm births, and other health costs.
  • It notes that maternal mental health conditions during the prenatal and perinatal periods are treatable with increased access to risk assessments, regular screening, and early intervention.
  • It calls for additional research, funding, and evidence-based practices to improve screening and treatment, expand access to care, and improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and communities.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Federal, state, and local governments would be encouraged to participate in and promote National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day.
  • Public health systems and providers may be encouraged to enhance screening and early intervention for maternal mental health.
  • The designation aims to influence policy emphasis, funding, and awareness initiatives related to maternal mental health, particularly for high-risk groups (servicemembers, veterans, rural mothers, medically underserved populations).
  • The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is highlighted as a focal point for awareness and support.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (as of the action history).
  • Sponsor and co-sponsors: Introduced by Ms. Letlow, with co-sponsors Ms. Kelly, Ms. Kim, and Ms. Kiggans.
  • Date of introduction: May 4, 2026.
  • As a resolution, it is a non-binding expression of Congress’s stance and does not enact new statutory obligations or funding by itself. It signals support and encourages action by federal, state, and local governments and the public.

Observations and Public Impact

  • The bill centers on awareness, recognition, and advocacy rather than new regulations or spending authorizations.
  • Its impact would be largely in elevating attention to maternal mental health, potentially influencing public health messaging, screening practices, and opportunities for future legislation or funding opportunities.
  • Emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent adverse outcomes for mothers and their children.

If you’d like, I can compare this resolution to prior maternal mental health initiatives or extract potential budgetary or programmatic implications that could arise from its passage.

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

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