Welcome to the first of many posts which will address the current status of our public policy work around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders ("PMAD"). This blog is hosted by the Junior Leagues of California, State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC).
Julie Elginer our SPAC Co-Chair has been very busy working with leaders from various organizations, such as Postpartum Support International (PSI), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AB 159 Co-sponsor) and the Perinatal Mental Health Task Force of L.A. County and L.A. Best Babies to formulate the right path for AB 159, "The Healthy Mother's Act," which became a two-year bill after stalling in appropriations due to it's too-high price tag in our ailing economy. With input from many, Nava's office was approached this week to present a new three-pronged plan:
1. Turn AB 159, into a Concurrent Resolution, much like the 2003 resolution, ACR 51. A CR specifies a specific issue for an awareness campaign generally for the month of the year in which it is introduced and passed. The resolution can also include "intent language," encouraging for example that named public agencies and/or private organizations work together or study an issue. It will do so without changing law. It's a very effective way to educate new members of the legislature on a particular topic, laying the foundation for future policy change.
2. Request Further Research on PMAD in California. We are in discussions with Nava's office about commissioning research through the California Research Bureau (CRB). If such research is conducted, it would become public record and be used by legislators and counsel when drafting future legislation.
3. Partner with Women's Groups to Hold Hearings
SPAC and our colleagues in the organizations mentioned above are in the process of outreaching organizations such as the Commission on the Status of Women and the Legislative Women's Caucus to discuss organizing hearings on PMAD which would allow survivors to tell their stories and practitioners/clinicians to discuss gaps in care and possible solutions and partnerships. We will work closely with various stakeholder groups to ensure that the right organizations and individuals testify and are invited to attend.
ACR 51
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/03-04/bill/asm/ab_0051 0100/acr_51_bill_20030522_enrolled.html
SPAC represents 11,000 women throughout California advocating for women and children's issues in the areas of health, education, violence prevention and family support.
The Junior Leagues of California are organizations of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
