TITLE
A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY 2026 AS “PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH” IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
BODY
WHEREAS, the birth of a new baby is a moment of joy and promise, yet it is also a time of profound physical, emotional, and social change for families, as new life reshapes daily rhythms, relationships, and identities; and
WHEREAS, the perinatal period encompasses pregnancy through the first year following childbirth and brings both celebration and vulnerability, with shared responsibility of welcoming and caring for a new child and their parents; and
WHEREAS, perinatal mental health conditions, including postpartum depression and anxiety, affect approximately 1 in 5 mothers-who so often carry the greatest physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery-and also impact fathers, partners, and caregivers, with studies estimating that 1 in 10 fathers experience depression or anxiety during this time; and
WHEREAS, untreated perinatal mental health conditions can have lasting impacts on parents, children, and families, while early identification, compassionate care, and access to support can foster healing, stability, and healthy development; and
WHEREAS, stigma, lack of awareness, cultural differences, and socioeconomic barriers to care often prevent families from seeking or receiving the help they need, underscoring that awareness must be paired with empathy, openness, and action; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna embraces its identity as a community of “villagers,” recognizing that while it may take a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to support a family-surrounding mothers, fathers, and caregivers with understanding, practical support, and a shared commitment to their well-being, and reminding us that while the burdens may not fall equally, the journey belongs to all; and
WHEREAS, promoting holistic wellness-including mental, emotional, and physical health for the entire family-is essential to building a thriving, resilient, and connected community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the Council and Mayor hereby recognize May 2026 as Perinatal Mental Health Month in the City of Gahanna; and
Section 2. The City encourages residents, healthcare providers, employers, and community organizations to increase awareness of perinatal mental health, reduce stigma, and support access to resources for mothers, fathers, and families; and
Section 3. We call upon each other to live out our “villager” values by checking in on new and expecting parents, offering support without judgment, and ensuring that families feel seen, supported, and connected during the perinatal period and beyond; and
Section 4. The City reaffirms its commitment to holistic wellness and encourages continued collaboration to ensure that every family has the opportunity to thrive-not only in welcoming a child, but in sustaining the health and well-being of the entire family unit.
Section 5. That this Joint Resolution and Proclamation shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.