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James Plastiras Director of Public Information New York State Office of Mental Health 518-474-6540 james.plastiras@omh.ny.gov

October 05, 2018

New York State Office of Mental Health Announces Free Upcoming Maternal Depression Conference in Albany

First in State, Free Conference Features Renowned Maternal Mental Health Experts, Provides Continuing Medical Education Credits

Albany, NY – The Office of Mental Health is pleased to announce a Maternal Depression Conference in Albany as part of New York State’s effort to combat maternal depression.

The free conference, scheduled for Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Hilton Albany is ideal for all primary care physicians, pediatricians, OBGYNs, child & adolescent psychiatrists, adult psychiatrists, adult psychiatrists, nurse practitioners & other providers treating women, children & families.

“One out of every seven women experience depression or other mental health concerns during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum,” said Dr. Ann Sullivan, Office of Mental Health Commissioner. “New York is working diligently to educate our medical providers on how to identify and treat these conditions early and effectively, to create better health outcomes for women, children & families across the state. We are excited to host this conference and to improve access to quality care for mother’s experiencing depression.”

“Identifying and treating maternal depression is essential for the physical and mental health of both new mothers and their babies,” said Dr. Howard A. Zucker, New York State Health Commissioner. “I encourage all healthcare professionals treating women and families to attend this conference, to expand their knowledge and understanding of the importance of screening for and treating maternal depression.” 

The event, organized by the state’s Project TEACH Statewide Coordination Center, will feature two renowned leaders in maternal mental health, Dr. Lee Cohen and Dr. Marlene Freeman, as well as other experts in the field. These experts will present best practices and provide training on identifying and treating maternal depression and related mood and anxiety disorders.

Lee Cohen is the Director of the Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an international leader in women’s mental health, focusing on psychiatric disorders linked to female reproduction. Dr. Cohen serves on the Special Committee Relative to Postpartum Depression in Massachusetts, setting the standards for screening and treatment of postpartum depression in the state.

Marlene Freeman is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Her research focuses on the areas of mood disorders and women’s mental health, with experience working with vulnerable populations. She is also the Vice Editor-in-Chief for The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

The conference has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and polices of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). This activity qualifies participants for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

The Free Maternal Depression Conference runs from 8:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday, October 12th at the Hilton Albany, 40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207. To register, visit https://projectteachny.org/live-training/maternal-depression/.

 

Project TEACH

Project TEACH provides rapid consultation, education and training, and referral/ linkage services to pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) statewide who provide care for children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate mental health concerns. In 2018, New York State announced a commitment to combat maternal depression by utilizing the Project TEACH program to address maternal depression and related maternal mental health concerns. This conference is one step in that effort.

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This is a message from the New York State Office of Mental Health. 

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