Apr. 30, 2018
WHAT: Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) and Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) will discuss their legislation that would help qualify at-risk infants of mothers suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) for state services. The lawmakers will be joined by health care providers and parents impacted by PPD.
In Pennsylvania, about 21,000 babies and their mothers are affected by postpartum depression each year – roughly 15 percent of births. Senate Bill 200 and
House Bill 200 are identical, evidence-based proposal to automatically qualify infants whose mothers screen at risk for depression for Early Intervention assessment, tracking and – if necessary – ongoing in-home services. The legislation also has the added, proven benefit of connecting mothers with depression to mental health care.
WHO: Toohil; Schlossberg; Bartolotta; Jatnely Gonzalez and Kim Manfredi, Postpartum Depression Project co-founders; Steven D’Achille, Alexis Joy Foundation president; and Dr. Eina Fishman, Gateway Health Plan senior vice president and chief clinical officer.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 2, noon.
WHERE: Capitol Media Center, Room 1, East Wing, state Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.
LIVE WEBSTREAMING: Barring any technical difficulties, the news conference will be streamed live at
RepToohil.com.
Media contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office, 717.260.6136