FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Brian Shanahan
MediSpin Inc.
646-452-1647
FAX: 212-255-9957
Email: bshanahan@medispin.com
http://www.medispin.com

NIMH-Supported Major Initiative Launched to Train Healthcare Providers in Diagnosing and Treating Postpartum Depression

(New York, NY; January 23, 2007) MediSpin, Inc. has launched MedEdPPD.org, a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-supported postpartum depression Web site developed under a Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract. MedEdPPD.org gives medical practitioners the training, support, and information they need to more effectively assess and treat patients at risk for developing perinatal mood disorders. The content for this innovative site has been developed by a group of nationally recognized healthcare providers committed to the cause of postpartum depression. Interactive learning modules for continuing education credits (for physicians, nurses, and social workers), case studies, video vignettes depicting the spectrum of perinatal mood disorders, monthly eZines, and a wealth of online and print resources are available for primary care physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and nurse midwives.

Postpartum depression has gained national prominence as a public health issue with the help of high-profile legislative leadership. Approximately 1 of every 7 new mothers experience depression in the first year after childbirth, and left untreated, this depression can negatively impact infant development, the mother's functional status, and the family dynamic. This resource is the first of its kind offering comprehensive education and training materials aimed at healthcare providers treating women at risk for perinatal mood disorders.

Recognizing that patient education is equally important to improving quality of care, the MedEdPPD.org Web site also features a comprehensive patient area that contains interactive Q&As, case studies, videos, a provider network, and credible online and print resources. The patient Web site is also available in Spanish.

MediSpin, Inc. is a multimedia medical communications company that specializes in the development of interactive learning for healthcare professionals, consumers, and researchers. MediSpin produces live and online symposia, eDetailing, CD-ROMs, educational software, databases, Web sites, video, animations, and print materials. MediSpin's educational platforms and collaboration systems are used by clinicians, scientists, and allied healthcare providers in medical schools, hospitals, universities, and research institutions. Located in New York, MediSpin includes among its clients pharmaceutical companies; online CME/CE content providers; leading medical centers and universities; and the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN278200554096C.

For more information, please contact Brian Shanahan at 646-452-1647.