NYC sets goal of screening all new mothers for depression

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (R) reads a book to pre-K students on their first day of school at Public School 59 in Staten Island, New York, September 9, 2015. At left is First Lady Chirlane McCray. REUTERS/Barry Williams/Pool

New York City health officials are setting a goal of screening every pregnant woman and new mother for maternal depression.

First lady Chirlane McCray and Deputy Mayor Richard Buery announced the initiative Tuesday.

As a first step, the city's public hospitals and Maimonides Medical Center have set a two-year deadline to screen all new mothers for depression and connect them with mental health treatment, if needed.

The Greater New York Hospital Association also will add mental health services for new mothers at its hospitals.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says screening for maternal depression "should be a part of routine care."

McCray, who has dedicated herself to improving mental health services for New Yorkers, says too many pregnant women and new mothers don't get the attention they should and that they're afraid to seek help "because they worry about being judged."