Maybe it helps to be in LA, but the Junior League of Los Angeles has just been named the winner of a prestigious 2012 Women in Film PSA Production Award for its “Speak Up When You’re Down” campaign promoting perinatal depression awareness. The PSA, which will be developed in both English and Spanish for use in U.S. and international markets, is designed to educate women, their families and health care providers on a major health issue that affects mothers regardless of income or education.

The competition was tough. JLLA joined other nonprofits looking for support at WIF’s PITCH NIGHT! in September, where WIF members (all active film industry professionals) heard their pitches and chose four winners. (Sort of like the Oscars!)

The Women In Film Public Service Announcement Production Program produces and distributes pro-bono Public Service Announcements on issues impacting the lives of women and children. The other 2012 award winners are Discovery Eye Foundation, Kids In The Spotlight, and Shadow Hills Riding Club.

But, even before winning a WIF PSA, JLLA’s Public Affairs Committee has been hard at work getting the word out on perinatal depression since 2009. JLLA notes that this year’s activities include social media outreach, website presence, public relations outreach, newspaper ads, posters, palm cards and brochures, and billboards. And Clear Channel donated ad space on 60 digital billboards in Los Angeles County. In addition, as a member of the Junior Leagues of California State Public Affairs Committee, JLLA also worked with Radio Disney and state legislators to produce a radio PSA that aired in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento in addition to their work in passing the Kelly Abraham Martinez Act.

Good work, JLLA. Can’t wait to see the new PSA!

Check out this PSA!

In large part because of the efforts of the Junior Leagues of California State Public Affairs Committee, or CalSPAC, May is Perinatal Depression Awareness Month in California. And now, just in time, the Junior League of Los Angeles has released this public service announcement, or PSA, on perinatal depression, a condition that impacts 10-20 percent of new mothers. The PSA is part of the Speak Up When You’re Down awareness campaign sponsored by JLLA and California SPAC.