No Health Without Mental Health

by David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO

There is no health without mental health. That's not just a catchy theme for our 2008 Annual Conference and Inaugural Prevention and Promotion Summit, it's a fact, an expression of outrage and a call to action.

It's also a tremendous opportunity for our movement.

Our June conference centers on the much anticipated Institute of Medicine report “Prevention of Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse among Children, Youth, and Young Adults: Research Advances and Promising Interventions.” The IOM’s recommendations will swing open the door for us to achieve one of our key goals: moving science into practice.

Its findings will present a rare opportunity to rally political will behind a public health strategy that can drive down the prevalence of mental illnesses—and the disability and early death associated with them. We know that the current system of prevention and care is wasting lives every day, but our work together can change that.

Our goal for the conference is to arm you with the science and techniques you need to champion the IOM’s findings locally and win broad support for your efforts. We’ll learn about compelling breakthroughs, and focus on closing the gap between science and practice in primary care settings, in schools and in the workplace.

The conference marks the launch of our 2009 centennial celebration, which begins with the MHA of Connecticut celebrating its centennial this year. This is a chance to recognize our success as a movement, and to design our future and the future of a healthy America.

Together, we’ll finally realize the great promise of prevention and promotion science, and improve the lives of millions of people.

I look forward to seeing you in June.