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Legislator and wife Mary Jo have worked to break down the stigmas attached to the illness

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey Saturday signed a joint legislative resolution designating Oct. 20 of each year as "Postpartum Depression Awareness Day" in New Jersey.

Codey signed the resolution in Roseland while Gov. Jon Corzine is temporarily out of state. As Senate president, Codey (D-Essex) was the sponsor of the resolution along with Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-Essex).

It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). The resolution (SJR20) is designed to create an entire day centered around the illness in order to increase awareness so that women will be encouraged to talk openly about it and, more importantly, seek help. The resolution requests that the governor issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and residents to observe this day with appropriate activities and programs.

Codey and his wife Mary Jo have both spoken openly about her battle with PPD over the years. In addition to speaking engagements and lobbying Congress, Mary Jo Codey was also the spokesperson for New Jersey's statewide PPD educational awareness campaign. Sen. Codey was responsible for a 2006 law requiring all doctors and healthcare professionals to screen new mothers for PPD and educate them and their families about the illness.

"One of the greatest barriers in treating postpartum depression is breaking down the stigmas attached to it. My wife and I have experienced this first hand," Codey said. "The more and more we've talked about our experiences, the more we find others are willing to come forward and talk about theirs. Creating an annual day devoted to raising awareness of the illness will help us strip away the fear, isolation and shame that many women feel and get them on the road to treatment."

"This will help raise awareness and eradicate the social stigma and lack of understanding that forces too many women to shroud this medical and mental health disorder," said Jasey, a former public health nurse and La Leche leader with more than 20 years of experience working with expectant mothers and newborns. "Within one year of giving birth, having a miscarriage or stillbirth, nearly 15 percent of women are affected by postpartum depression. By spreading awareness we are ensuring more women who are afflicted with this serious disorder seek the support, therapy and medical attention they desperately need because postpartum depression is treatable when promptly diagnosed."

"I'm happy and proud of both my state and my husband, for making postpartum depression awareness a priority in New Jersey," Mary Jo Codey said. "I look forward to getting a law passed at the national level that will require PPD screening for all new mothers, much like the one New Jersey has already passed."

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM