New Jersey’s First Lady Mary Jo Codey launched a statewide educational campaign this week designed to build awareness about postpartum depression and offer resources for women, their families, and health care professionals. Titled “Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak Up When You’re Down,” the campaign features Mrs. Codey, who will continue to be actively engaged in communicating her personal experience and encouraging women to get treatment.

The campaign includes a Web site (www.njspeakup.gov) with sections for both consumers and health care professionals, and a 24-7 postpartum depression help line (1-800-328-3838) that provides women and their families with information about local resources for screening, as well as emergency assistance.

As part of the campaign, patient education materials will be distributed to health care providers throughout New Jersey for placement in physician offices, clinics and hospitals. They include a consumer brochure explaining postpartum depression symptoms and treatment options, and a video featuring Mrs. Codey and other New Jersey women who have experienced postpartum depression. The campaign will include continuing medical education credits through an online course as well as for attendance at educational seminars scheduled for the fall.

In support of the campaign, the governor has declared August Postpartum Depression Awareness Month in New Jersey.

Bravo to Governor and Mrs. Codey, and bravo to New Jersey!!

Tags: postpartum depression New Jersey Codey