 |
This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network. |
|
Center for Mental Health Services
National Advisory Council
Washington, D.C.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
September 1999
When it comes to mental health services, some of the nation’s most underserved populations are ethnic minorities who are also the most vulnerable to mental health problems. Members of ethnic minorities are overrepresented among persons who are homeless, poor, or in prison, and these are all groups with a high prevalence of mental illness.
Mental illness does not discriminate on the basis of race or color. However, cultural background plays an important role in how symptoms are reported and interpreted and often plays a critical role in how and if mental illness is recognized and treated appropriately. Some persons, because of their culture, do not view symptoms of mental illness as a problem, which may prevent them from seeking treatment. Others whose cultures make it difficult to confide in anyone outside of the family may not seek needed care.
In addition, treatment and other support services cannot be as effective as possible if health care professionals do not understand cultural differences and do not provide the services that respond to cultural needs. Toward this end, CMHS continues to increase its focus on enhancing the delivery of culturally competent mental health services. Here are just a few examples of recent efforts:
- In July 1999, CMHS convened an Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health Summit, which brought together providers, researchers, consumers, family members, and administrators.
- The Community Action Grant Program Hispanic Priority Initiative, begun in 1998, is directed at mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment needs of Hispanic communities. Six new grants were awarded to Hispanic grantees in 1999.
- The Circles of Care Program, just completing its first year, is bringing more support services into Native American communities so those children with serious emotional disorders are not taken away from their families and sent to distant institutions.
- The CMHS Minority Fellowship Program, now in its 24th year, is aimed at increasing the number of minorities who enter mental health professions. In the last 5 years, CMHS has funded $3.3 million in fellowships.
- CMHS staff participated in "Operation Provide Refuge" and was part of the 3-person health and mental health team that provided services for the more than 4,000 Kosovar Albanian refugees at Fort Dix, NJ.
These initiatives are described in greater detail throughout the report.
In addition to efforts aimed at cultural competence, several high-profile activities at the national level are focusing increasing attention on mental health issues and reinforcing CMHS efforts to provide mental health services that meet the wants and needs of Americans with mental illness and their families. For example:
- A White House Conference on Mental Health, chaired by Mrs. Tipper Gore, National Advisor to the President on Mental Health, was held June 7, 1999. The goal of the conference was to bring mental health into the 21st century and to address the stigma and discrimination that have long prevented people from seeking mental health treatment. The conference brought together consumers, providers, advocacy groups, lawmakers, business and community leaders, and authorities from the fields of mental health research and pharmacology, service delivery, and insurance coverage.
- Mrs. Gore and U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher are working on a national media campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illness. They have enlisted the help of the Ad Council, MTV, the American Psychological Association, and other private-sector companies. The campaign is expected to launch in conjunction with the release of the Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health.
- In June 1999, Surgeon General Satcher announced a Call to Action to Prevent Suicide, which outlines steps that can be taken by individuals, communities, organizations, and policy makers.
- CMHS and SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) are continuing a national dialogue on co-occurring mental disorders and substance abuse, conducted jointly with the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. The effort focuses on the financial aspects of providing care for persons with co-occurring disorders. A report will be issued by the end of 1999.
- The U.S. Congress is considering a variety of health care issues that will affect the delivery of mental health services. Bills have been introduced on issues that range from patients’ rights to privacy of medical records.
KEN99-0070
|
|
