Harrisburg – Sept. 28, 2016 – Legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank that would provide early intervention services for infants and mothers when the mother is affected by post-partum depression received unanimous support today from the Senate committee on Public Health and Welfare.

The state currently provides early intervention services to children with disabilities and developmental delays from birth to age five.

“This is an important step. Studies suggest that about 21,000 mothers a year in Pennsylvania are affected by Post-partum depression,” said Senator Schwank, who co-authored the bill with Senator Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington County.

“A baby’s brain development can be impacted and they face increased risk of abuse or neglect, as well as higher medical costs.”

Under the proposal, mothers and infants referred by physicians would be included in the existing state program for services to at-risk children, including assessment, tracking and assistive services.

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