We must be psychic!

On our last episode, 3.1.2008-"Mental Health", we mentioned the importance and urgency of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. As of last week, it had been stuck in the U.S. House yet to be voted on. However in today's NY TIMES, it was announced to have passed!

IT'S NOT OVER YET!

Even though in 2002, President Bush stated he would support such legislation, he hesitated at acceptance of the bill that appeared on his desk yesterday.

"Supporters of mental health parity see it as a civil rights issue, and the debate Wednesday was filled with poignant moments.

“I have a mental illness, and I am fortunately getting the best care this country has to offer because I am a member of Congress,” said Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, Democrat of Rhode Island and chief sponsor of the House bill. Mr. Kennedy has been treated for depression and drug dependence."

- NY TIMES ARTICLE

Take a look at this article and let's take action together to educate ourselves and each other

I had things on my mind

Last week's episode of the Educational Showdown featured the most comprehensive corroboration of interviews we've seen yet. A psychiatrist, nurse, researcher, assisted employment specialist and ex-girfriend all came together Saturday, 3.1.2008, to speak on their perspectives, battles and goals with the industry of mental health.

Tough questions with calculated answers interspersed themselves among the intimate discussion surrounding the complex problem with our society's commitment to treatment and outreach to those with a mental illness.

From the Surgeon General's Report in 2002, 25% of people in the United States are living with a diagnosable mental illness at any given time. Mental illness can be permanent or transient, but the bottom line is that it afflicts many more than we perceive.


"Mental illness doesn't just affect 3 or 4 out of 5, but one out of one" - Dr. William Menninger

Whether you're living with a form of a mental disease or not, it's nearly impossible that you're not affected by someone with one. As a result, we urge two points of action:

1. EDUCATION FURTHER -- see right panel for useful links
2. WRITE YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES in Washington DC to help boost the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 into further legislation; an essential amendment to our currently corrupt insurance policy laws.

Great thanks to (in order of appearance on program): Dr. Robin Lessoff-Perry, Tyson Barker, Daniel Sachs, Scott Perry and Autumn Polidor for contributing to the program

In addition, we're taking a short break for the next two weeks. We'll see you again from WRUV FM Burlington 90.1 on March 22nd from 2-4pm.

At the forefront of your intellectual desires...