This summer, Sonia Murdock, co-founder and executive director of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. was selected as one of the Top 100 Heros in the Volvo for Life Awards out of over 4,000 candidates nationwide. Sonia received this honor for her advocacy work in postpartum depression outreach.

Sonia began her involvement in tackling postpartum psychosis when her sister suffered its debilitating effects after the birth of her daughter. In helping her sister through the illness, Sonia learned just how few resources actually existed to help women suffering from postpartum mood disorders. She also learned that many health care professionals and Para-professionals either didn’t recognize the symptoms, or had no place to refer patients for follow-up. In response, Sonia co-founded the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. Postpartum Support International has recognized the organization as a model program. There are now Postpartum Resource Centers in Texas and Kansas.

Due to Sonia’s efforts, thousands of women have since found support and referrals via the Postpartum Resource Center of New York. Moreover, Sonia has worked to educate the public, health care professionals, and legislators on the subject, especially in the wake of the Andrea Yates tragedy in Houston, Texas. Sonia has made many media appearances and provides training nationally and internationally regarding perinatal depression. She has presented to the United Nation’s NGO Health Committee. She is advocating for the passage of HR 1940 the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act.

It’s great to see some of the people who work so hard for this issue get recognized!