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2025 Session

Budget Amendments - SB800 (Floor Approved)

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Postpartum Depression Education

Item 277 #3s

Item 277 #3s

First Year - FY2025 Second Year - FY2026
Health and Human Resources
Department of Health FY2025 $0 FY2026 $553,200 GF

Language
Page 343, line 43, strike "$169,601,819" and insert "$170,155,019".

Page 345, after line 14, insert:

"J.1. Out of this appropriation, $553,200 the second year from the general fund shall be provided to the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, to develop and implement a statewide public awareness campaign on perinatal and postpartum depression to increase awareness about perinatal and postpartum depression and to highlight the importance of seeking early treatment for and reducing the stigma associated with perinatal and postpartum depression.


2. The Department shall create and distribute education materials on perinatal and postpartum depression including: (i) fact sheets on symptoms, causes, and available treatment options; (ii) contact information for local, state, and national resources, including crisis hotlines, counseling services, and support groups; (iii) guidance for health care providers on screening, diagnosing, and managing perinatal and postpartum depression; and (iv) information on the impact of untreated perinatal and postpartum depression on maternal and infant health outcomes.


3. The Department shall develop and maintain an online resource hub that provides information on perinatal and postpartum depression, a directory of mental health providers specializing in perinatal and postpartum care, and information on other perinatal and postpartum depression support services for individual and families.


4. The Department shall report annually by November 1 to the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Health and Human Services on: (i) metrics on public engagement of these programs; (ii) feedback from health care providers, community organizations, and individuals served by these programs; (iii) progress in reducing stigma and increasing early detection and treatment of perinatal and postpartum depression; and (iv) recommendations for improving or expanding these programs. The Department shall publish the annual report on its website. The Department shall submit its first report no later than November 1, 2026."



Explanation

(This amendment provides $553,200 GF the second year for the Department of Health (VDH) to establish a public awareness campaign, develop and distribute educational materials, and create an online resource hub focused on perinatal and postpartum depression. Language requires VDH to submit an annual report to the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Health and Human Services on the implementation of the programs, with the first annual report due by November 1, 2026.)