Take This, Tom Cruise! (Nanny-nanny-foo-foo!)

New Jersey just passed a law that requires doctors to screen new mothers for postpartum depression. According to the Associated Press, the law is the first of its kind, and passed partly because of strong support from former Gov. Richard Codey, who is now a state senator, and his wife, Mary Jo, who suffered from the condition. Also under the law, doctors will educate expectant mothers and their families about the disorder and treatments, including medication, counseling and support groups.

I’m so glad the Clearinghouse’s mother organization, the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, or MHASP, passed on Tom Cruise and decided instead to honor the Codeys with the 2006 Bell of Hope Award on May 24 in Philadelphia. As stated in the MHASP press release, the couple were chosen because their work has shone a national spotlight on mental health issues—especially postpartum depression—and their advocacy has helped counter stigma and raise awareness of the importance of mental health. Also, Governor Codey left a legacy of helping to create decent, affordable housing for people with mental illnesses in New Jersey that will hopefully inspire other states to follow the state’s lead.

Gotta love progress.

Posted by Daniele Sadres