Postpartum Progress

Murdock Will Be Inducted Into Women's Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Sonia Murdock, executive director and co-founder of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York and past president of Postpartum Support International, who will be inducted into the Suffolk County Women's Hall of Fame on November 18th in Smithtown, NY.  Sonia has given so much of her life in complete dedication to women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and is very deserving of every accolade she gets.  Way to go Sonia!

If you'd like to attend, call 631-422-2255.

Mental Illness Awareness Week Starts Today

Here's to your mental health!

This is Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4-10), in case you didn't know.  This special annual event is led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in the US.  It is also held in Canada, coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

Part of this weeklong event is National Depression Screening Day on October 8th.  To find a screening location in your area, visit the NDSD site.  You can also take an anonymous screening online.

Also, in honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week, Psych Central offers a neat bubble graph on the prevalence of common mental illnesses.

Upcoming Presentations from Diana Lynn Barnes

Diana Lynn Barnes will be presenting "Maternal Depression and Disrupted Attachment" at the monthly meeting of the Ventura County chapter of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists in Camarillo, California on October 9th. 

Additionally, she will be presenting "The Transition to Parenthood: A Course for Expectant Parents" on October 17th at the International Childbirth Education Association's annual conference in Oklahoma City.

Diana Lynn Barnes is a past president of Postpartum Support International and currently serves on its President's Advisory Committee.  She is an author, psychotherapist and winner of the 2009 Welcome Back Award.

Nominations Open for the 2010 Welcome Back Awards

The Eli Lilly Welcome Back Awards have now opened nominations for its program recognizing outstanding achievements in the fight against depression and the stima that accompanies it.  You can nominate people in five different categories: 

Lifetime Achievement: speaks for itself!

Destigmatization: for an individual whose noteworthy public efforts have helped promote the understanding of depression and reduce the shame and guilt associated with the illness; combats misconceptions about depression to a wide audience

Community Service: for someone who has  created community programs that foster a supportive, caring environment for people who suffer from depression

Primary Care: healthcare officials with a unique approach to identifying the needs of people with depression

Psychiatry:  for a psychiatrist who does community work, innovative clinical programs, teaching, new research and outstanding work with patients; goes beyond the bounds and is an example to others

Winners will share a total of $55,000 to be donated to the non-profit organizations of their choice.

To see the program guidelines and nomination forms, click here.  The deadline for nominations is November 10th, so get going nominating your heroes in the fight against depression and stigma!!!

Perinatal Mood/Anxiety Disorder Events In October

Happening this week:

Postpartum Support Virginia is hosting a 1-day training session for PPD volunteers this Friday, October 2nd in Arlington, VA.  There's still time to register by emailing Adrienne Griffen at adrienne.griffen@gmail.com.

Filmmaker Diane Ouellette will share her documentary "The Smiling Mask: Truths About Postpartum Depression & Parenthood" this Wednesday, September 30th, from 7 to 8:30pm, in the Delta Regina Hotel Ballroom in Regina, Saskatchewan.  The event is free.

Next couple of weeks:

Moms Bloom will present "Motherhood - The Journey" on October 8th at The Wealthy Theater in Grand Rapids, MI.  The event will raise money for Moms Bloom, a great organization that supports new mothers.

Jenny's Light will now be awarding grants to various organizations that work in the field of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  (I would have let you know about the grant process so that you could have applied for a grant, but for some reason I never received the application specifics.)  Anyway, they've apparently received about 20 grant applications and will contact the winner or winners in mid-October.  They will be awarding a total of about $10,000, I believe. 

PSI of Washington will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Oct. 28 with a luncheon at the Seattle Hilton from 11:30 to 1:30.  They have invited Shoshanna Bennett to be their keynote speaker.  You can purchase tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81860.

Time Running Out to Enter "Rethinking Mental Health" Competition

Don't Forget:

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's "Rethinking Mental Health" competition offers an opportunity to help reduce the stigma for mental illness and introduce new ideas in mental health.  In order to participate, visit here and do any of the following:

1. Comment on entries from others who are concerned about mental health and shared their ideas and innovations.
2. Enter the competition and share your own idea for improving mental health.
3. Nominate an inspired idea or project.

Please note that you will have to create an account on the Changemakers website.  It's free and will only take a minute.

Entries and comments can be submitted until October 14th.  A panel of judges will then select 10 ideas and the Changemakers community will vote to select the top three.  The three finalists will be announced on December 16, 2009 and will each receive a cash prize of $5,000.

Saks Fifth Avenue to Host Fundraiser to the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Foundation

The Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Foundation will host a special luncheon on Wednesday, September 30, hosted by none other than Saks Fifth Avenue (OMG, I'm so bummed I can't go!) in Chicago.  The event will be held from noon to 2pm and will feature complementary lunch and makeovers, a special fashion trend presentation by Saks and a 15% discount on purchases made at Saks the day of the event.

This event will help to raise money for the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Foundation.  Saks has graciously agreed to donate 5% of your purchases that day to this wonderful organization. 

There is no charge to attend this event but space is very limited.  Please RSVP in advance by calling Iris Shaffer at 708-799-6284.

Oh how I wish for the old days when I travelled so much with Coca-Cola that I had gobs of miles and could travel anywhere.  I'd go to Chicago, and to Portland for the Baby Blues Connection event, and to Seattle for their event, and ... 

So nice to see all these lovely things happening to support the organizations that support women with PPD.

Lots of Upcoming PPD Events Around the Country

A few events to tell you about happening in the next few weeks around the country:

The Maternal Mental Health Task Force of Middle Tennessee is hosting a meeting on Monday, September 28th at 6pm at the Hope Clinic for Women in Nashville.  Both professionals and consumer advocates are welcome to attend.  For more information, call 615-556-3037.

Postpartum Support Virginia is offering a one-day training session for interested volunteers who wish to support women experiencing depression or anxiety related to pregnancy and childbirth.  The training will be held at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA on Friday, October 2nd.   The event costs $50 and includes lunch and a workbook.  For more information, email info@postpartumva.org.

Also, PSI of Washington will be hosting "Mother/Daughter Wounds: Challenges and Victories of Undermothered Women" on September 21st from 7 to 8:30 at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA.  To RSVP call 1-888-404-7763 or email heidikossnobel@comcast.net. 

The Postpartum Resource Center of New York will be hosting a Volunteer Dinner Meeting on sunday, September 27th at the Resource Center in West Islip, NY from 4:30 to 7pm.  For more information, contact info@postpartumny or call 6310422.2255.

There will be a Perinatal Mood Disorder Training event (this is PSI's 2-day training) in Tucson, AZ, on October 8th and 9th at Child and Family Resources Inc.  For more information and to register, click here.  The registration fee is $225.

And Baby Blues Connection of Oregon will be hosting a Wine Tasting and Auction on October 8th.  The event, by invitation only, will be held to thank their wonderful volunteers and supporters.

Free Perinatal Mood Disorder Training In NY On Sept. 22

The Postpartum Resource Center of New York will present a free perinatal mood disorder training session on Tuesday, September 22 at the Islandia Village Hall in Islandia, NY, from 9am to 12:30pm.  This training, entitled "Building A Perinatal Depression Safety Net in Our Community" will be presented by Sonia Murdock, executive director of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York.  Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.  To register, email info@postpartumny.org or call 631-422-2255.

This free event is being made possible with funds provided by the Disney VoluntEARS Community Fund and the Wal-Mart Foundation Community Giving Grant from the Wal-Mart in Islandia, NY.

Voice Awards To Honor Glenn Close & Others on October 14th in Hollywood

The 2009 Voice Awards will be held in Hollywood on October 14th at the Paramount Theater at Paramount Studios.  You can join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as they honor five-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close for her work to educate the public about the impact of mental illness on families and society.  The event will also celebrate productions that include "The Soloist", "Michael Clayton", "Lars and the Real Girl" (all great movies) and others, in addition to recognizing the accomplishments of some consumer leaders who are working to promote the social inclusion of people with mental health problems and the real possibility of recovery.  (Don't know who the consumer winners are yet, but I will let you know!) 

The red carpet arrival will start at 6pm pacific, with the ceremony kicking off at 7pm.  To secure your seat, click here.  Admission is free!

The Voice Awards were created to honor writers and producers who incorporate dignified, respectful and accurate portrayals of individuals with mental health problems into film and television producers.  (We need more of that, especially when it comes to the portrayal of women with perintal mood and anxiety disorders!!!)  They also honor consumers who work to eliminate stigma and promote recovery.

They happen every year, so if there is someone you want to nominate, keep track of the nomination process for 2010 at the Voice Awards website.

Motherhood Consortium Hosts Events for Professionals Working with Mothers

The Motherhood Consortium was established to bring together professionals working with mothers and babies to create dialogue on the issues most challenging and relevant to their field.  Below is a list of upcoming Motherhood Consortium events, all of which are held at the Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, CA, on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30am.  Anyone offering professional services to mothers is encouraged to attend. 

September 18th, 2009 It Takes A Village: Supported Birth & the Modern Family

November 20, 2009  Understanding the Emotional Dilemmas of Twin Births

January 29, 2010 Mending Precarious Links: Parents and Infants in the NICU

March 19, 2010 Neurodevelopmental Assessment of the Newborn

May 21, 2010 Reflective Parenting 101

Anyone interested in attending any of these events should contact Cathy Dore at cdore@postpartumhealth.com or call 818-887-1312.

PSI Conference in LA a Big Hit!

My trip to the PSI Annual Conference was, as it always is, inspiring and energizing.  Merrill Sparago, Diana Lynn Barnes and Kimberly Wong did an amazing job putting this event together.  I just don't know how they could accomplish it while also doing their day jobs and attending to their personal lives!!  Even after four years of attending this conference and five years of writing this blog, I always learn a lot of new things.

I got to see (and hug!) people that I talk to all the time via email, Twitter, Postpartum Progress and/or Facebook but only get to see once a year in person (Shout outs to Jen Stoll, Diane Ashton, Kim Rogers, Chris Raines, Lynne McIntyre, Ilyene Barsky, Cathy Dore, Gina Keefe, Heidi Koss-Nobel, George Parnham, the Gibbs family, Christi Hibbert, Stephanie Morales, Andrea Zas Jimenez and many others!).  I got to meet great new people, many I was aware of but had never had the chance to meet in person (So pleased to meet you Adrienne Einarson, Shirley Halvorson, Brian Kinstler, Misty Wainwright, Kellie Haworth, Wade Bowen, Will Courtenay, Emily Dossett, Deborah Hayes, Vivienne Burt and many others!)  And I was, of course, so happy to see the whole PSI board (Ruta, Wendy, Mary Lou, Birdie, Kimberly, Brian, Yvonne, Mary Joan, Linda, Merrill, Kimberly, Pec and our office hero Devani) and members of the President's Advisory Council (Susan, Sonia, George, Cheryl, Diana, Mary Ellen, Jane).  I wish I could list the name of every person I met because it was such a treat to see each and every one of you.

I wish all of you could have been there to see the amazing group of dedicated people who care so much about women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  Rather than feeling you are alone, you could see there is a whole "army" of wonderful and compassionate people who know exactly what you are going through and who look forward to helping you.

It has taken me a few days to get back to blogging.  Between the jet lag, the post-conference letdown and the fever/sore throat I acquired (why can't I fly on an airplane without coming down with something?!), I've had to sleep it off the last few days.  But I think I'm getting back to full steam so get ready for what I hope are some interesting and educational posts the next few days.

PSI Conference Next Week - I'll See You in LA!

So many people I can't wait to see at the Postpartum Support International conference next week (August 6 and 7) in Los Angeles.  Are you going?  You can STILL register to attend.  Come join us! You can attend the whole thing, or just one day, or just the banquet. 

Here's where to register: http://psi.eventbrite.com/  And you can still get the fab hotel rate at the GORGEOUS Millenium Biltmore LA.  Just email Miranda Tsai for the $145 rate at mtsai@mill-usa.com.

Given what happened last week in San Antonio, I hope that healthcare providers across the country realize the importance of educating themselves as much as possible on how to help women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  It's worth a day or two of your time to do this.

Beck Receives AWHONN's Distinguished Professional Service Award

University of Connecticut Distinguished Professor Cheryl Tatano Beck has received the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) 2009 Distinguished Professional Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.  Beck was recognized for her expertise in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  Congratulations Cheryl!

New PPD Support Group in NY + Fundraiser Soon for Postpartum Resource Center of NY

The Postpartum Resource Center of NY has announced its first hospital-based pregnancy and postpartum support group in Suffolk County, NY.  It is based on their Circle of Caring program and is offered by St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown, NY and there is no fee to participate.  If you'd like more information, call 631-862-3330 or email postpartum@chsli.org.

Also, the non-profit organization Sounds of Silence, which supports the Postpartum Resource Center of NY, will be hosting a Summer Networking Dinner on Monday, July 13, at the Sea Levels restaurant in Brightwaters, NY.   The event starts with networking at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:30pm honoring Gail Burrus, Executive Director of the Suffolk Perinatal Coalition, and Geraldine O'Keefe, author.  Cheryl Zauderer will also speak on postpartum depression and altered newborn attachment.  Tickets are $40 per person.  To reserve your ticket, email postpartum@aol.com or call 631-422-2255.

PSI Invites You To Casino Gaming Night in LA Area

Postpartum Support International and the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental health Task Force will be hosting a Casino Night on Saturday, July 18th at 7:30pm at the Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, CA.  They'd like you to join them for casino gaming, prizes, live entertainment, dinner and dancing to support their work helping women who are suffering from mood and anxiety disorders related to childbirth. They ask for a charitable donation of $100 at the door from those who attend.  This event is sponsored by Score Gaming and Binions Hotel & Gambling Hall Las Vegas.  If you have questions or would like to donate an item to the evening's silent auction, please call Dr. Diana Barnes at 818-887-1312.  Please RSVP by July 10th if you plan to attend.

Tree of Hope To Host 5k for PPD in Michigan

The Tree of Hope Foundation is holding its annual 5K Run, Walk & Stroll, called "Step Up for Hope", on Saturday, June 21, at Metro Beach Metropark in the Detroit area to raise awareness of postpartum depression, or PPD.

The Tree of Hope raises awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and provides support and education for families.  The Foundation also provides information for medical professionals who may have patients dealing with the disorder.

Click here for a walk registration form.

Mothers Matter: Support Postpartum Resource Center of Kansas

Tomorrow, Jen Stoll, the executive director of the Postpartum Resource Center of Kansas, and her family will take 8,707 steps to combat postpartum depression.  Four people will each walk two miles to represent the number of women who experience PPD in the Kansas City metro area.  If you want to support their walk, which will help fund the staff and volunteers at the Postpartum Resource Center of Kansas, you can help in one of three ways:

• Send a tax-deductible donation to PRC of Kansas, PO Box 8015, Prairie Village, KS, 66208-0015 or
• Register for the walk and join them by clicking here or
• Send a donation via Paypal.

Registration Opens for PSI Annual Conference

Registration is now open for the Postpartum Support International Annual Conference, held this year in sunny Los Angeles.  The event is August 4-7, with the pre-conference on the 4th and 5th, and the main conference on the 6th and 7th.  It is co-hosted this year by PSI and the Perinatal Mental Health Task Force of LA County and will be held at the California Endowment.  To register, click here!

The conference hotel is the Millenium Biltmore.  A discounted room rate of $145 per night has been reserved for conference attendees.  Please request the group rate for "Postpartum Support International Conference".    To book online with group discount please go to:  https://reservations.synxis.com/lbe/rez.aspx?hotel=11535&arrive=08%2F03%2F2009&nights=4&adult=1&group=PSIAUG2009&promo=&iata=&step=1

Postpartum Progress Event Calendar

In case you haven't noticed, and I'm guessing you probably haven't because this blog is so chock full o' stuff that it's hard to keep track, I've added a calendar feature.  It's on the right sidebar -- scroll down past "Readers' Favorites" and you'll find it.  I'm testing it out from Trumba.  It's an easy-to-use gadget.  If you just mouse over the title of the event and wait a second, a box will pop up and give you all the info you need. Super cool.

Trouble is, it costs $100 per month.  Yes, you heard right.  That's a little rich for a girl with a $0 budget.  So either someone wants to sponsor the Postpartum Progress events calendar at $1000 per year, or the Trumba calendar goes away in a day or so after my free trial ends.  I told them I thought it was way too expensive, and they told me, in so many words, "Oh well."  So much for trying. 

I added the calendar because, to be honest, I'm having a really hard time keeping track of all these events that keep coming up.  I write about them, then that post goes away, out of sight, out of mind, and we all forget what's happening when.  So check it out.  If you know anyone who wants to pay for it, let me know.  If you know of a better or equally as good, and FREE, calendar widget, let me know that too.  I want to make sure that all the fundraising events, training and education conferences, speeches and 5k walks held around the country are easily accessed by Postpartum Progress readers.

Thanks To The Palmetto State!

I want to thank Mental Health America of South Carolina and the Women's Emotional Health Center at Midlands Psychiatry for inviting me to participate in their "Depression in the Mother" conference last week in Columbia, South Carolina.  They had a fantastic turnout -- I'm guessing at least 100 attendees -- and I met a lot of great people who care about being able to identify women who need help and get them the proper treatment. 

A special shout-out goes to Zakia, who read Postpartum Progress when she was suffering postpartum depression.  It was great to meet you!

Jenny's Light 5k This Weekend

Don't forget ... This Sunday, March 1, is the inaugural Jenny's Light 5k Charity Run in Los Gatos, CA.  The event will be held at Vasona Park and start at 10am.  The entry fee is $25.  You can register at www.jennyslight.org. 

 

Schedule of Spring 2009 Events for PPD Awareness & Training

There are a lot of upcoming events that I've written about before but want to do a quick roundup and remind you of them here:

This Friday, February 27, I'll be at the Depression In the Mother conference held at the Brooklyn Baptist Church Convention Center in West Columbia, South Carolina.  The event goes from 8am to 4pm and contact hours are available for social workers, nurses and counselors/therapists.  To register, click here: http://mha-sc.org/Training/index.php?TRID=25.  Registration costs $40 and includes lunch.  Hope to see you there!

The Lunafest film festival, featuring short films by and about women, will be held on Wednesday, March 5, at the Arlington Draft House in Arlington, Virginia.  Tickets are $15 and the event starts at 7pm with a silent auction.  The event will benefit Postpartum Support Virginia, among other organizations.

Postpartum Support International will sponsor a two-day training, Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD): Components of Care on March 12-13 in Indianapolis, IN.   The course is evidence-based and is designed for nurses, physicians, social workers, mental health professionals or anyone interested in acquiring formal knowledge about the subject.   It will be held at the Petticrew Auditorium at Methodist Hospital.  For further information, call 317-962-8078.  The same PSI training will be held March 26-27 in Plymouth, Michigan.  Click here to register: http://treeofhopefoundation.org/BrochureReg%20Form.pdf  PSI's training will also be held April 25-26 in Cupertino (San Jose area), California.  For more information, including a complete list of training objectives or to register, go to http://www.perinataltraining.com/Perinatal_Training.html.  AND, as if that wasn't enough, the training will also be held in Washington DC May 7-8 at the National Institutes of Health.  For more info, visit www.postpartumva.org.  I highly recommend these events for anyone who wants to specialize in treating women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

The Sounds of Silence Foundation will host the 2nd annual 5k Run/Walk/Stroller-Walk event on Saturday, May 9th at 9:30am at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island.  Race proceeds will benefit the Posptartum Resource Center of New York.   To register, click here: http://www.soundsofsilencefoundation.org/news/index.php?id=7 

Free Chat With The Experts Session Wednesday; PPD Event in White Plains Thursday

Postpartum Support International's free open phone session, called "Chat with the Experts" is held weekly on Wednesdays.  This week is at 9pm EST with facilitator Ann Smith, CNM.  For more information on how to particiapte in this anonymous forum, click here.

White Plains Hospital Center in White Plains, NY, will present Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders: Current Status of a Public Health Crisis with Susan Dowd Stone on Thursday, February 5th.  This is a free information session on the treatment of these illnesses. The event will be held from 5-7pm in the auditorium.

 

Indy PPD Training

Just a reminder that Clarian Health is hosting PSI's 2-day "Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care" training on March 12 and 13 in Indianapolis.  For more information, call 317-962-8078.

Postpartum Support Virginia to Host LUNAFEST Fundraiser

 

Postpartum Support Virginia is holding its 3rd annual LUNAFEST fundraiser on Wednesday, March 4.  LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival of terrific films about, for and by women.  Join them at the Arlington Cinema 'n Drafthouse in Arlington, VA.  Doors open at 7pm with a silent auction and films start at 7:30pm. 

LUNAFEST is sponsored by LUNA, the whole nutrition bar for women.  LUNA selects short films that celebrate women from the film festival circuit, then offers LUNAFEST as a fundraising vehicle to support the Breast Cancer Fund and other women's charities.  In Arlington, Postpartum Support Virginia has teamed with Stroller Strides to host LUNAFEST.

For more information, contact Adrienne Griffen at adrienne.griffen@gmail.com.

Jenny's Light 5k on March 1

Jenny's Light is hosting the Inaugural Jenny's Light 5K Charity Run on Sunday, March 1st at Vasona Park in Los, Gatos, California.  The event will start at 10am, rain or shine.  The entry fee is $25 for those who register online before February 27th.  Register today right here.

Jenny's Light was founded by professional triathlete Becky Lavelle and her family in response to the tragic and untimely passing of her twin sister Jenny and her nephew in December 2007.  You can learn more about this non-profit at the link above.

 

Professional Training in March on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

There are some great trainings on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders coming up in March ...

Postpartum Support International's 2-day Certificate of Completion Training "Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care" will be held March 12 and 13 in Indianapolis and March 26 and 27 in Detroit.  The event in Indianapolis is sponsored by Clarian Health.  Contact Sandra Piercy at spiercy@clarian.org for more information.  The event in Michigan is sponsored by the Tree of Hope Foundation.

Karen Kleiman is also hosting a 10-hour postgraduate training program designed to enhance clinical skills and therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of postpartum illness.  The event will be March 6 and 7.  Register here.  Early registration ends soon.

Big Events This Weekend to Support PSI

I've told you about these events in the past, but now that they're coming up quick, just a reminder:

This Saturday, November 1st, the 6th Annual Mystery Readers Luncheon will be held in Santa Barbara to support Postpartum Support International.  The event will be held at the La Cumbre Country Club and will feature author Erik O'Dowd.  Tickets to the lunch are $75 per person.  Please contact psioffice@postpartum.net for reservations or more info.

Also this weekend, country music star Wade Bowen will host hist 11th annual "Wade Bowen Classic" concert and celebrity golf tournament.  Proceeds will benefit Postpartum Support International.  An all-star concert kicks off the two-day event at the Heart of Texas Fairground General Exhibits Building in Waco at 7pm on Sunday, November 2nd.  Participating musicians include Wade Bowen, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, and Randy Rogers & Brady Black.  The golf tournament will be held Monday, the 3rd, at noon at the Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco.  Click here for tickets to the concert, which are $15.

If you can't attend either event but would still like to support Postpartum Support International, which in turn supports women around the world suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, please click here and donate.  Every little bit helps and would be most welcome.  Thank you!

PPD Conference in Chicago Oct. 17

Just a reminder that this Friday is the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Postpartum Depression Foundation annual conference in Chicago.  It is presented by Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and will be held at the University Club of Chicago.  I will be speaking, along with Birdie Meyer, Sonia Murdock, Dr. Manny Alvarez and many other fabulous people.  Check it out here: http://www.ppdchicago.org/ or here: http://www.ppdchicago.org/site/files/456/16096/76749/353452/Postpartum_Conference_08.pdf.

Wade Bowen Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament & Concert Will Benefit PSI

Country music artist Wade Bowen will host his 11th annual "Wade Bowen Classic" concert and celebrity golf tournament on November 2 and 3 in Waco, TX.  This year's event benefits Postpartum Support International.  How awesome is that? 

An all-star concert kicks off the two-day event at the Heart of Texas Fairground GE Building in Waco at 7pm on November 2nd.  The concert will feature Wade Bowen, as well as Cross Canadian Ragweed.  More "surprise" guests will be announced in the coming weeks.  The golf tournament the next day will be a two-man scramble and will take place at the beautiful Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco.

"I'm so proud of how this event has grown and how everyone has come together to raise so much money," said Bowen.  "This year we are partnering with PSI, which hits really close to home for me because my wife battled postpartum depression after the birth of our first child, and I know how severely it can affect families.  Believe me when I tell you that it is a cause that needs more awareness."

Bowen recently released his new album "If We Ever Make It Home" featuring the song "Turn on the Lights," which he wrote about his family's personal experience with postpartum depression.  Watch him perform it live here.

Tickets for both components of the weekend are available at http://www.wadebowen.com/bowenclassic and start at $15.  Over the past two years, the Bowen Classic has raised nearly $60,000.  For questions regarding sponsorship or group ticket rates, please contact "Big Hearted Babes" at www.bigheartedbabes.com.   

"Out Came the Sun" March in Michigan on Oct. 25

An organization called Moms Bloom is hosting a march on Saturday, October 25 at Frog Hollow Park in Metro Health Village in Wyoming, MI.  Called the "Out Came the Sun" March., its purpose is to raise awareness of postpartum depression.  (I just LOVE that name!)  The event will start at 10am and will feature Nancy Roberts, PSI co-coordinator for Michigan, as a speaker.  It costs just $15 to pre-register, or $20 to participate on the day of the event.  Proceeds will support MomsBloom and the Flourishing Families program.  To get more info, visit www.momsbloom.org.

Event on PPD & Poverty in Kansas City

An event called "Perinatal Mood Disorders & Poverty: Assessment of Resources for Treatment" will be held in Kansas City from 1-4pm on October 1 at the Keeler Women's Center.  To register, visit www.mountosb.org/kwc.  The event is open to all professionals who serve women suffering from postpartum depression.

National Depression Screening Day in October

Friday, October 10 is National Depression Screening Day.  This day of awareness focuses on the very important role of screening.  To learn more, or find out how to bring NDSD events to your area, visit http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/, e-mail ndsd@mentalhealthscreening.org or call (781) 239-0071.  I know a couple of years ago when I served as a spokesperson for the event they specifically included postpartum depression screenings.  I'm not sure if that's still the case -- it doesn't look like it after a quick drive through the website. 

Advanced Training on PPD Treatment in NJ This Fall

The Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative is hosting an event called "Breaking Down Walls: New Options in Postpartum Depression Treatment" on October 10 in Princeton.  This conference is aimed at clinicians who have a basic understanding of postpartum depression and want to enhance this knowledge with some advanced expertise.  Speakers include Susan Stone, Karen Kleiman, Shoshanna Bennett and Margaret Howard.  The event fee is $65 and includes breakfast, lunch, contact hours and course materials.  Pre-registration is required by Friday, September 26.

Come See Me in Chicago at the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Perinatal Depression Conference!

Mercy Hospital & Medical Center is presenting the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Perinatal Depression Conference at the University Club of Chicago on October 17, 2008.  Continuing education credits are being provided by the University of Illinois at Chicago and the St. Xavier School of Nursing.  Speakers include lots of fabulous people I am big fans of, including:

• Sonia Murdock, Executive Director of the Postpartum Resource Center of NY
• Dr. Manny Alvarez, Chairman of the Dept. of Obstetrics at Hackensack University Medical School and Chief Health Editor for FOX News
• Birdie Meyer, President of PSI and coordinator of the Clarian Health Perinatal Mood Disorders Program
• Dr. Lee Cohen, Director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Clinical Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
• Dr. Laura Miller, Director of Clinical Services at the Dept. of Psychiatry of the University of Illinois at Chicago
• George Parnham, whom you may recognize as Andrea Yates' lawyer

There will be other speakers as well, including me, which I'm very excited about.  It's an honor to be invited to speak among all these people who know a whole lot more than I do.  I hope to see some of you there!

You can register online for this event at www.mercy-chicago.org/ppd/.

ALSO:  On November 6, the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Postpartum Depression Foundation Benefit will be held at the Chicago History Museum.  (I got married at the Chicago Historical Society, FYI.  Great place.)  The event will be held from 5:30 to 9pm and will raise money to support the foundation's programs.  This year it will feature an interview with celebrated photographer Victor Skrebneski by Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan.  Tickets are $150 per person.  To reserve tickets or get more info, please visit www.ppdchicago.org or call 773-477-2252.  Please reserve your tickets by October 31.  This is a wonderful organization that deserves your support. 

 

Hawaii Hosting Perinatal Health Summit in October

The 2008 Perinatal Health Summit will be held October 23-24 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii.  (I'm SO jealous of anyone who gets to go!!)   For more information, click here.

Upcoming PPD Screening Event in Massachussetts

Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services in Shrewsbury, MA, will be holding a special event on Tuesday, September 2nd from 9am to 6pm offering free PPD screenings, the opportunity to speak to clinicians and information on perinatal mood disorders.  For more information, call 508-845-6932.

The Yellow Wallpaper On Stage This Fall in Chicago

The Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble will close its 8th season with an updated thatrical production of their original adaptation of "The Yellow Wallpaper."  The play is based on Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story of her battle with postpartum depression.   Performances will be held October 3-5 and October 10-12 at the Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago.  Tickets are $15.

Mental Health America To Host Workshop in Atlanta on Addressing PPD in Communities

Mental Health America will be hosting a free maternal depression workshop on Monday, August 25 from 11 to 1:30pm in the Zaban Room of the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA.  This SAMSHA-sponsored maternal depression workshop is designed to initiate discussion and brainstorming around how communities can address maternal depression.

Space is very limited, so if you'd like to attend please call Sarah Schwartz, executive director of the Georgia chapter of MHA at 678-904-1970.

I'll be there!

Class on PPD in Valencia, CA on September 30

Diana Lynn Barnes will be leading a class on the emotional and psychological issues that can develop into PPD after delivery.  The class is scheduled for September 30 from 6:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. in the Greeley Education Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, CA.  The fee to attend is $35. To register, call (661) 253-8607

PPD Run/Walk in Charleston on Sept. 13

The Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation's PPD Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th at 8am in Charleston, which is a gorgeous city if you've never been there.  It is held at Hampton Park, located at 30 Mary Murray Drive.  The early registration fee is $20.  To register, click here.

P.S.  I've tried to include a link to their website, but for some reason it isn't working right now.  Helena Bradford runs the organization, in memory of her daughter Ruth, and does a lot of work to support the women of South Carolina.

Tree of Hope Hosting PPD 5k Run/Walk/Stroll in Michigan

The Tree of Hope Foundation will hold its annual Step Up for Hope 5K Run, Walk & Stroll this Saturday in Harrison Township, MI, to benefit grassroots efforts related to postpartum depression (PPD) awareness.

The fourth annual event will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Metro Beach Metropark, along Jefferson in Harrison Township (31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045). Approximately 700 participants are expected.  To learn more about Tree of Hope’s efforts or to register online for the event, visit www.treeofhopefoundation.org or call (877) HOPE 311 or (877) 467-3311.

PPD & Anxiety Conference in MN on June 25

"Motherhood, Mood Disorders & Anxiety: Before & After Pregnancy" is a full-day conference being held at the University of Minnesota's Earl Brown Center on June 25th.  The event is for professionals and families, and will explore diagnosis, treatment and support for women experiencing depression or anxiety before or after birth.  It's being sponsored by NAMI Minnesota, the U of M School of Social Work, the Minnesota Dept. of Health, UCare and Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals.  The fee is $100 (with a reduced fee for students).  To register, go to www.namimn.org.

Highlights of Upcoming PSI Conference in Houston

If you want to know why it is DEFINITELY worth your while to attend Postpartum Support International's upcoming annual conference in Houston, here are a few very good reasons:

Margaret Howard, PhD will be speaking.  She is the Director of the Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, which is one of the nation's leading specialty hospitals for women and newborns.  It's the only hospital where pregnant and postpartum women can come and be treated for all symptomatic conditions. It is also the first and only hospital in the country that allows the infant to stay with his mother during treatment if inpatient hospitalization is warranted.   To read a very touching story of a mother who greatly benefited from their program, click here.  Anyone who is attempting to bring cutting edge perinatal programs into a community-based facility needs to hear the story of how our nation got its first comprehensive program for women and their infants suffering from perinatal mood disorders.

Take advantage of PSI's Certificate Training in setting up support group services for women suffering from perinatal mood disorders.  Or, take part in advanced clinical training for professionals already serving this population -- this session will provide case presentations and application of efficacious treatment models for affective recovery.

Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD, will tackle the sensitive issue of medication use during breastfeeding.  This topic is always of great interest to mothers, clinicians and healthcare professionals.  Hale is professor of Pediatrics and assistant dean of Research at Texas Tech University School of Medicine and author of the widely-used reference book "Medications and Mothers' Milk".

Lucy Puryear, MD, will present on psychiatric illness during pregnancy.  Renowned in her field of pregnancy-related mood disorders, Dr. Puryear will walk us through the effects on the fetus and how these can be minimized with appropriate care.  Puryear, of Baylor University, is author of "Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting".

Hear from George Parnham, Andrea Yates' defense attorney and tireless advocate for women whose mental status is not appropriately considered when tragedy leads them into the criminal justice system.  He will provide an outline of what recourses women may have in defense.

Valerie Plame Wilson, former CIA agent and author of the bestselling book "Fair Game", will discuss her battles with PPD and how she overcame it.  Wilson will be the keynote speaker at Friday night's banquet.

Anne Dunnewold, PhD, will discuss culture and motherhood, and offer sound advice to counter feelings of guilt that may arise when one is not the "perfect mother".  (Is there any such thing?)  Dunnewold is the author of the recent book "Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box".

There is much, much more.  Postpartum Support International is the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to eradicating the ignorance around pregnancy-related mood disorders in every community worldwide! It will be a great time to network with other sufferers and healthcare professionals who specialize in treating us.  I hope to see you there!!

IMPORTANT:  Early bird registration ends this Friday, May 16th.   Get your registration in now to save $50.   Online registration is now available.  Hilton's special hotel rate of $119 will end May 16th as well -- trust me, the room rate triples afte the 16th, so hurry!

(Thanks to Deborah Sorenson, Sherry Duson and Susan Stone for helping me put together the highlights of the conference!)

PPD Walk In Chicago Suburbs on May 10

Oops ... here's another PPD event this weekend that I didn't even know about.  So if you can't make it to Rhode Island or Long Island, but you're anywhere near Chicagoland, try this one on for size:

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network will be holding its Annual 1-Mile Walk for Postpartum Depression Prevention and Awareness. The walk, in cooperation with the Schaumburg Park District, will take place at Volkening Lake, 900 West Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

Postpartum Mood Disorder Event June 12th in Spokane

Postpartum Support International of Washington and the Council for Children & Families will host "Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Community Discussion of PPMDs" on June 12th from 10:30am to 5pm at the Downtown Spokane Public Library.  Presentations will include information on the cultural implications of PPMDs, the importance of early assessment and diagnosis, and the wellness model of treating PPMDs.  All are welcome.  The event is free and lunch will be provided.  To RSVP, email wcpcan@wcpcan.wa.gov.

Two Races This Weekend to Support PPD Programs

Just a reminder ...

If you're anywhere near Rhode Island this Saturday, the Stepping Out of the Darkness 5k and 2 mile road race will be held at Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket. The walk is at 9am and the 5k road race is at 9:30am.  The race will support the Women's & Infants Hospital Day Program for postpartum mood disorder sufferers. 

And, if you're anywhee near Long Island, the Sounds of Silence Foundation for the Awareness of Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression's 1st Annual 5k Run/Walk/Stroller Walk will also be held this Saturday at 9am at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh. Race proceeds and donations to the Sounds of Silence Foundation will benefit the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc.

May is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month in the U.S.  Personally, I think we need mental health all year long, and not just in May (wink, wink), but in case you are interested here is a link to Mental Health America's web page

Mental Health America -- Mental Health Month 2008

National Association of Mother's Centers National Conference April 4-6

The National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC) is having its national conference April 4-6 at the Sheraton Long Island in Hauppauge, NY.  The goals of the conference are to bring together mothers organizations for collaboration, raise the voices of mothers to create positive change for women and families and offer support for mothers' centers throughout the country.  To register, go to www.motherscenter.org

To be honest, I didn't even know this organization existed.  Sonia Murdock of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York gave me a heads up on the event -- thank you Sonia! -- and told me the NAMC is a member of PSI.  The vision of the NAMC is a society where the work of taking care of others is valued and supported, and is a public policy priority.  I like them already!!