Parity Passage a Tremendous Victory for Mental Health
by David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO
 It is with great sense of accomplishment that I write this column. On October 3, 2008 we achieved a tremendous milestone in the history of US mental health care policy when Congress passed and the President signed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008.
For nearly two decades Mental Health America worked for the passage of a strong parity bill. Through the years, we experienced many peaks and valleys. At times, our goal seemed nearly impossible. In October, Congress finally recognized
the importance of equalizing insurance coverage for mental health and general health conditions by passing parity legislation.
The Bell is Going Green!
In honor and respect of the environment
and in light of economic challenges, Mental Health America will be publishing The Bell in electronic format only beginning
with our next issue. We understand this may be challenging for many who wish to receive the publication in hard-copy format. We will, however, be offering to send a limited number of hard copies of the web version to individuals requesting to receive this quarterly publication. Please be sure to give Melody Merin a call at 703-797-4323 or send along a written request to her, mmerin@mentalhealthamerica.net, or the address below to request your hard copy of The Bell.
Melody
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Mental
Health America
Publications
2000 N. Bearegard Street, 6th Fl.
Alexandria, VA 22311 |
In this issue of The Bell we celebrate the many individuals who helped make parity a reality. There have been many champions through the past two decades that should be recognized. Some we may have missed and would appreciate hearing from you if we have failed to mention you.
This tremendous victory was fueled by the leadership
and personal commitment of Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.). Credit is also due to tireless advocates such as Rosalyn Carter, David Wellstone, our affiliates and tens of thousands of Americans who pressed for this historic reform.
Beginning in 2010 there will be millions more Americans who will have access to mental health treatments and services. However, there is still much work to be done to make sure that the law is appropriately implemented throughout the nation. We cannot rest and will continue our mission to educate Americans and work to transform our care of mental health and addictive
disorders.
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The e-Bell Newsletter is published by the Mental Health America, which
works with its 320 affiliates nationwide to promote health, prevent mental
disorders and achieve victory over illnesses through advocacy, education, research
and service. To receive the e-Bell, visit Mental
Health America’s
Web site www.mentalhealthamerica.net or
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