The start of this year has been a momentous beginning of our second century. In January, federal mental health parity became fully effective. Federal agencies responsible for enforcing the law also issued regulations that clarify a number of key issues that we had raised during the comment period. These will help ensure the intent of the parity law is fully realized.

And just two months later, Congress passed a historic overhaul of our health care system that builds on the parity law by applying it to new plans, recognizes the importance of providing mental health and substance use treatment and prohibits insurers from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. In fact, mental health and substance use disorder services are mandated elements for policies in the insurance exchanges, which further extends parity protections to individuals and small employers who buy their coverage through these exchanges.

We worked hard to educate Congress and the administration about the importance of full parity in insurance reform and were successful in gaining inclusion.

In her floor speech urging passage of health reform, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi quoted from a letter sent to President Obama by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who was so instrumental in winning passage of parity: "Access to health care is the great unfinished business of our society," he wrote.

Parity and health reform will help open wider the doors to treatment and services that will help millions of Americans to live healthier, more productive lives. At the same time, we recognize these milestones are neither the end nor beginning of our journey, but the stepping stones in our continued work to help all Americans live mentally healthier lives.

Soon we will continue the tradition of celebrating "May is Mental Health Month," which we began in 1949. Built around our Live Your Life Well campaign, our efforts will inform millions on the importance of mental wellness and how to attain it.

And in June in Washington, D.C, our Annual Conference will explore the importance of meaningful social roles and connections in maintaining health and achieving recovery. We will hear from leaders from around the country who have forged the way for building inclusive communities through their research, innovative programs and personal commitment. ::

Sincerely,

David Shern, Ph.D., President & CEO