BILL REQ. #:  S-1445.1 

Read first time 02/11/2005.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to postpartum depression; adding new sections to chapter 43.121 RCW; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.121 RCW to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects women of all ages, economic status, and racial and ethnic backgrounds. Postpartum depression includes a range of physical and emotional changes that many mothers can have following the birth of a child, which can be treated with medication and counseling. If untreated, however, postpartum depression can lead to further depression, self-destructive behavior, or even suicide, as well as child abuse, neglect, or death of the infant or other siblings.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.121 RCW to read as follows:
     The council shall conduct a proactive, public information and communication outreach campaign concerning the significance, signs, and treatment of postpartum depression.
     The public information campaign may, within available funds, include production and distribution of a brochure and communication by electronic media, telephone hotlines, and existing parenting education events funded by the council.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the children's trust fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, to carry out the purposes of this act.