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 essent...
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