The Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression
A Massachusetts Special Legislative Commission
About the Commission
The Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Commission is a permanent legislative commission with up to 40 commissioner seats per its enabling statute, as amended. For information on current commissioners, click here.
Background
In 2010, Massachusetts passed a law entitled, “An Act Relative to Postpartum Depression” (Chapter 313 of the Acts of 2010), establishing a special legislative commission with different stakeholders in order to study and report on research and policy initiatives on postpartum depression (PPD) and make recommendations to address PPD. The name of the Commission changed in 2016 to honor Representative Ellen Story upon her retirement. Commissioners were appointed according to the law and the first Commission meeting took place in December of 2011. Since then, the Commission has met quarterly each year and has assisted on many different PPD and perinatal mental health matters benefitting birthing people and their and families across the Commonwealth.
Representative Ellen Story championed the legislation and aided the Commonwealth in expanding PPD education and resources.
(From left to right): Former House co-chair Representative James J. O'Day, Senate co-chair Senator Liz Miranda, House co-chair Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley, former Senate co-chair Senator Joan B. Lovely
Previous Accomplishments
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Advocating for expanding and diversifying the perinatal behavioral health workforce as part of the steering committee of the Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition
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Collaborating with Department of Public Health to promulgate PPD screening reporting requirements
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Laying the ground work for MCPAP for Moms, an expansion of the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program, with a focus on perinatal mental health
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Funding PPD Community Health Center pilot programs across the state to help establish lessons learned for screening and referral systems in women’s health and pediatric settings
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Advocating for PPD screening and reimbursement in pediatric and obstetrical settings
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Establishing an annual Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Day at the State House
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Updating the MA DPH website on PPD to educate providers and families of the Commonwealth
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Filing a joint resolution after the Governor’s office proclaiming May as Maternal Mental Health Month