Can't Make the Grade: Report to Assess State Mental Health Priorities

National Mental Health Association
Thursday, 24 April 2003

Lack of Investment Puts Basic Mental Health Services in Jeopardy

Investment in mental health services across the country is so inadequate that even basic services are in jeopardy, according the National Mental Health Association's forthcoming Can't Make the Grade: State Mental Health Assessment Project.

"As states confront the worst budget shortfalls since World War II, mental health services are in crisis," said Mike Faenza, NMHA president and CEO. "One way or the other, states will pay for the cost of mental illness through increased emergency services, homelessness and an overburdened criminal justice system."

In addition to tracking cuts to mental health funding, NMHA identifies and grades three key policy areas that offer insight into the priority states are giving to people with mental illness:

• Mental Health Insurance Parity. NMHA's report looks at each states' insurance parity laws and how they address a full range of discriminatory practices.
• Managed Care Protections. Can't Make the Grade examines state patient protection laws and insurer liability laws that allow consumers to hold managed care companies liable for both physical and mental injuries.
• Access to Medications. This indicator grades states on laws or set regulations that limit access to essential medications that are part of successful mental health treatment plans.

"Only one-third of adults in America, and fewer children receive the appropriate mental health services they need," said Faenza. "Even states that appear to spend more than most on mental health still invest far less than is needed."

The full copy of NMHA's Can't Make the Grade: State Mental Health Assessment Project will be released in mid-May. Can't Make the Grade was made possible by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Community Voices: HealthCare for the Underserved Initiative. For an executive summary of the report and for information on individual state mental health priorities, please visit www.nmha.org or call 800-969-NMHA (6642).

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org