Retailers Lobby for Mental Health Parity

The National Retail Federation hired Washington Council Ernst & Young to lobby the federal government for equal health insurance coverage for mental and physical illnesses when policies include both, according to a disclosure form.

The Series

I am sick of seeing Television shows like Seinfeld and ER that stigmatize persons with mental illness. I have seen so many prime time drama series about doctors, police officers and lawyers. I think there needs to be a prime time series about Community Mental Health, set in a CMHC. So I tossed some ideas down as I doodled on a note pad at work one day. The story of a desk receptionist dealing with clients at the window, case-managers, clinical liaisons, blue dots, rehab specialists, psych doctors, and psych nurses, that gives a human face to both persons with psychiatric conditions and those who are mental health professionals. The script writers, such as myself, would have to be writers who know the real mental health system, family members, consumers, and mental health professionals that can portray a non-stigmatized view of mental health. Of course there would the ethical crusaders in the mental health system tangled in disputes with unethical staff that undermine the very concept of integrity. (as we have seen this on every other prime time drama series). There can be moments of light hearted comedy (like other shows). But in this series the person with schizophrenia does not murder the two doctors during a hospital holiday celebration like we seen on one season of ER.

Steve Morgan: Recovery & NAMI

I am writing this letter as a plea for reconciliation amongst those of us who have psychiatric diagnoses, those of us who issue them, those of us who have family members with them, and those of us who work toward related policies. As we are all aware, there are multiple tensions that exist amongst differing organizations within the mental health world, but I truly believe that if we can all begin to have a compassionate conversation, we will find a healthy common ground between our sometimes conflicting ideologies.

I specifically wish to address NAMI.

Visions of Recovery

From Gerald Butler:

1/3/2008

A few weeks ago Visions visited the newest Clubhouse in Wayne County and the “Network” clubhouse is off to a really great start. Angela Fuqua (Clubhouse Unit Leader) is someone who was also my counselor 13 years ago when I was in treatment. Even though she was an administrator at the time, Angela was practicing a form of Peer Support even then: she would say to all who would listen recovery is possible. Over the few hours we were at the clubhouse, Ms. Fuqua continuously stressed that the clubhouse belongs to the consumers; it is run by consumers and designed solely for consumers benefit. Having once been a consumer herself it is easy for her to empathize with those we serve. I know the high value consumers place on such factors as, integrity, and heartfelt concern”. Angela Fuqua

At a recent Peer Choices meeting, Jeff Brown (Exec. Director/ Oakland County CMH) told the group that his role was solely one of support. He basically told them to put their hopes and dreams into a workable form, and he would do all he could to make them a reality. Jeff demonstrates confidence and trust in consumers to make good decisions, thus encouraging them to become independent. Consumers then ‘pay it forward’ by spreading the message of recovery on to other consumers. This is how we contribute to System Transformation “Success in the lives of those we serve must be the measure of our success”. Jeff Brown

Just as in every other culture in the world we too talk among ourselves, and the word on the street is Marti Bush (Director/ Public Relations/ Gateway) is spreading a ton of love, hope and encouragement among the recovering community. In fact every consumer I talk with who has had dealings with her come away feeling as if they were treated specially. It is recommended that administrators not get close to their clients but that does not rule out having a heart, and Marti certainly has shown how big a person she really is.” I do what I do because I have seen the important role self respect and dignity play in a persons recovery process, and the more consumers I help, the better I feel”. Marti sees us as people with solvable problems, not statistics.

Although Barry Broden (Detroit Wayne County CMH) is not a consumer, he is a model of ‘System Transformation’. Since the consumer band is solely based on the principle of “Peer Support’ everyone involved with us somehow grows. Being the only one in the band with any formal music training it is only right that Barry be the musical director. The first thing Barry does is sincerely listen to what we have to say regarding the direction we want to go, and what music we play. He then PARTNERS with us in support of making our dreams a reality. Our dream is to deal with stigma through our music by showing the world that when consumers are properly supported recovery is expected. "The general population is guilty of shooting themselves in their collective feet every time they/we fail to recognize and encourage the talents and potential contributions of consumers." Barry Broden

These are just a few examples of System Transformation as recommended in the ‘Presidents New Freedom Commission Report’ which states: the leaders of a transformed system of treatment must be dedicated to the concept of recovery. These are folks who’ve made some sort of personal commitment to system transformation, and the entire system grows as a result of their dedication. Although the work these folks do is vital to us, they cannot be paid for what they do as the system cannot mandate that someone care about us. I wish I could explain why but I do know that the more positive the environment we are in, the better we do in recovery.

Actually I am proud to be part of these historic changes in treatment and recovery and I feel that in the future this will be known as the ‘Age of Humanity”. More and more people are starting to accept the fact that we are human beings in need of healing and as more individuals in the system apply basic humane traits, the better we will do in recovery. Empathy, openness, integrity, caring, dignity and respect: there is no longer any doubt as to the vital role these traits play in the recovery process not only for us but also the entire system. As more grand programs and new innovative methods are implemented, we must not forget the role compassion plays in recovery.

Gerald Butler

CPSS

Consumer Advocate

Reforms sought in restraint of mentally ill at state hospitals

Eight incidents of inappropriate force and restraint have been documented at four state psychiatric hospitals since July, prompting an advocacy group Monday to call for reforms.

In Michigan, hospitals can restrain patients only with physicians' orders. They must be checked every 15 minutes to ensure they aren't hurting themselves and to prevent instances such as the 2006 death of Timothy Souders while restrained in a Michigan prison.

The state's Office of Recipients Rights, which investigates complaints, has recommended hospitals stop the practice, but the suggestion has been ignored, according to the advocacy group that is federally mandated to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

"This abuse can no longer continue," said Elmer Cerano, executive director of the Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service. "People's lives are at risk."

State health officials say they are aware of the issue and are working to correct the problem.

On My Way To Work

I've gotten 2 phone calls today from our community services board. Both have to do with meetings I need to attend where I will be the speaker for those meetings. I am both nervous and excited. The most public speaking I have accomplished in my 47 years has been within the walls of a classroom, or a church group; the latter was years ago when I was much younger. My ability to stand before a group of people nowadays has not been tested in a while.

On January 16, I will be speaking at the Mental Health Substance Abuse and Care Coordination Meeting. What a mouthful! The title of this group is basically the same as the action they take in the community.They coordinate the care of those who have mental illnesses, and/or substance abuse issues.

I will be sharing with this group a little about who I am, and what my purpose will be in the workplace. I will also share a synopsis of the training I received at the grand hotel and conference center, during those two weeks prior to Christmas. By the way, before I hammer on here, I will be attending numerous trainings which follow the first I received. No, I do not think that 2 weeks of training is enough, okay? I say this just in case some are wondering...

Use of Neuroleptics with agression

From MFI:

NY Times on 4 January 2008 revealed a recent research that showed
that neuroleptics can actually increase rather than decrease
aggression, in a study of individuals diagnosed with cognitive
disabilities.

Overuse of neuroleptics in youth

From MFI:

* PBS: USA national television show PBS Frontline *this* Tuesday, 8
January 2008 will investigate the massive increase of neuroleptic
drugs being given to children.

MENTAL HEALTH PARITY: Researchers Stress Importance Of Out-Of-Network Benefits

In a study published December 18 on the Health Affairs Web site, researchers say that passage of either the Senate or House version of this legislation would constitute a major improvement over the current 1996 Mental Health Parity Act, which only guaranteed equal annual and lifetime payment limits. However, the authors also warn that parity legislation could actually reduce access to MH treatment for some patients if it does not facilitate treatment by providers outside insurers’ networks.

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