Monday, March 31, 2003

Studies Tout Early Intervention in Preventing Youth Violence
Mental Health Weekly article at Medscape - "Based on research showing that teenagers who commit violent acts often showed signs of aggressive behavior while in elementary school, some school-based violence prevention programs are targeting children at the elementary school level. Research findings released by the American Psychological Association (APA) indicate that two such efforts are achieving success." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

More Questions Than Answers in Today's Budget Proposal (Canada)
March 27 press release from the CMHA - Ontario Division - "While mental health reform is featured prominently in today's provincial budget proposals, no specifics are given about desperately needed funding to maintain the community services that keep Ontarians with mental illness alive and help them to recover."  
  

Iraq War Spurs Depression Among Veterans
AP story at InteliHealth - "Images from the war in Iraq are stirring up bad memories for veterans who served in the jungles of Vietnam, the foxholes of World War II and the sandy deserts of the first Gulf War. ... Since the war began last week, officials at Veterans Affairs centers across the nation are reporting a spike in veterans with underlying symptoms of post traumatic stress, including flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, anger, emotional withdrawal and depression."  
  

Mental health center to reorganize (North Carolina)
Story in the News Observer - "Up to half of the social workers, substance abuse counselors and other workers at the county mental health center will no longer work for the agency within the next 15 months, as part of statewide mental health reform. By July 1, 2004, The Durham Center plans to split into two agencies with a total of about 90 workers, compared with its current staff of 191, as it spins off its services to private businesses or nonprofits. The Durham Center is scrapping its independent board to come under the direct control of the county manager and county commissioners."  
  

Bill targets mental health services for children (Missouri)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch story - "A new Missouri law was passed last year in hopes that desperate parents ... wouldn't have to surrender custody of their children in order to help them. ...Last year, the Legislature attempted to help by giving judges greater authority to connect children with mental health services without forcing parents to surrender their rights. But lawmakers like Sen. Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, admits the law was only a start. This session, Gibbons and others are sponsoring legislation that would seek to expand the kinds of mental health services offered through Medicaid, and allow parents to seek services through the Division of Mental Health."  
  

Women's shelter planning transitional housing facility (California)
Daily Bulletin story - "A center specializing in working with women to overcome substance and mental health problems is gradually moving closer to expanding its Arrow Highway facility. Los Angeles County Community Development Commission officials announced recently that Prototypes will be awarded $1.5 million in redevelopment funds for a proposed 32-unit housing facility in Pomona."