Jim O’Day was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts and attended Worcester Academy and Worcester State College. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science, with a specialization in Urban Studies and Management. After college, Jim served as a social worker for the Department of Social Services (now Department of Children and Families), serving families in central Massachusetts for over twenty-four years. In 2007, Jim ran in a special election for an open seat in the 14th Worcester District (composed of the town of West Boylston and parts of Worcester) in a hotly contested race. He went on to win the election in April 2007 and was sworn into the House of Representatives in May of 2007.
Representative O'Day serves as the House Co-chair on the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression. This special legislative commission is charged with assessing current research on PPD, reviewing current policies, collaborating with DPH and other state agencies to develop public education materials and apply for federal funding, and advocating for maternal mental health.
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Currently, Representative O’Day is working with the Ellen Story Commission to Address Postpartum Depression, and is a lead sponsor of one of the Commission’s priority bills, H.3720, An Act relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants. This bill would screen any defendant who gave birth within 12 months prior to the alleged crime for perinatal psychiatric complications, and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment following a positive screen. It protects defendants suffering from mental illness related to perinatal psychiatric complications who are found not guilty by reason of mental illness by ensuring their access to a treatment plan made in consultation with an expert in reproductive psychiatry.