GRADING THE STATES 2009

New Report Card: Nation's Mental Health Care System

14 States Improve Grades; 12 Fall Backwards

Washington, DC -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released a new report, Grading the States 2009, assessing the nation's public mental health care system for adults and finding that the national average grade is a D.

Fourteen states improved their grades since NAMI's last report card three years ago. Twelve states fell backwards.

Oklahoma showed the greatest improvement in the nation, rising from a D to a B. South Carolina fell the farthest, from a B to a D. However, the report comes at a time when state budget cuts are threatening mental health care overall.

"Mental health care in America is in crisis," said NAMI executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "Even states that have worked hard to build life-saving, recovery-oriented systems of care stand to see their progress wiped out."

See the complete state chart and report at Grading the States 2009 Online

"Ironically, state budget cuts occur during a time of economic crisis when mental heath services are needed even more urgently than before. It is a vicious cycle that can lead to ruin. States need to move forward, not retreat."

This is the second report NAMI has published to measure progress in transforming what a presidential commission on mental health called "a system in shambles."

NAMI's grades for 2009 include six Bs, 18 Cs, 21 Ds and six Fs, based on 65 specific criteria such as access to medicine, housing, family education, and support for National Guard members.

"Too many people living with mental illness end up hospitalized, on the street, in jail or dead," Fitzpatrick said. "We need governors and legislators willing to make investments in change."

In 2006, the national average was D. Three years later, it has not budged.

NAMI 2009 CONVENTION CONSUMER SCHOLARSHIP

NAMI 2009 CONVENTION

"Creating a Healthy Future for Us All"
June 6-9, 2009 San Francisco, CA

Center for Mental Health Services Application for Financial Support
Application deadline: April 24, 2009

The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is planning on providing financial support to consumers of mental health services who would like to participate in the annual conference sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The purpose of the scholarships is to foster transformation of mental health care to focus on recovery. Please note: To be eligible for this scholarship, a completed application and letter of recommendation must be sent by U. S. mail to SAMHSA and postmarked by April 24, 2009. Also note these scholarships are contingent on funding and availability.

Conference information is available at: www.nami.org

Depression contributes to the risk of heart disease more than genetics

Depression contributes to the risk of heart disease more than genetics, according to a long-term study of twins. Other research has found that depression makes people more susceptible to heart trouble. But recent studies have found some genes that increase the risk of heart disease may also make people more prone to depression. This study indicates that depression takes a huge toll on the heart that can't be due to genetics. (USA Today, 3/4/09)

Participate in Study About Daughters of Mothers with Depression

The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is conducting a research study that explores the relationship between mothers with major depression and their adult daughters. They are especially interested in learning about the way that depression affects how mothers and daughters communicate with, support, and feel about one another. They would like to interview mothers with major depression and their adult daughter (26 years of age and older) separately. Participation in this study involves a 90 minute telephone or face-to-face interview, depending on what is most convenient for you. Each participant will be compensated. All information from the interviews is strictly confidential.

Please contact Dr. Marie Mesidor (617)-353-3549 or mmesidor@bu.edu for more information.

Click here to read the recruitment flyer for this study and learn how to participate.

Montana Takes Step Toward Treatment Reform

(from the Treatment Advocacy Center)

Montana State Rep. Bill Beck has introduced a treatment reform bill (H.B. 612).

The legislation, if approved, will improve the Montana treatment law so that a person with severe mental illness who is having an “emergency situation” no longer has to wait until they are in “imminent danger.”

“We can no longer allow people who are ill to navigate the system for years before they can access appropriate care,” said NAMI-Montana president Gary Mihelish in endorsing the legislation. “The earlier an individual can access treatment, the better the prospect of recovery.”

Note: The Montana Mental Health Association occasionally receives calls from family members desperate to help loved ones who are not considered by law enforcement to be a danger to themselves or others, but who the family members feel are in a crisis situation and need help right away. This bill, if passed, will help lessen the angst of those concerned about people with severe mental illness in crisis.