Friday, April 18, 2003

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Care Industry Market Update: Managed Care
CMS document available via the Open Minds web site - "This Market Update focuses on managed care organizations, updating our first report about this sector published November 28, 2001. Understanding of this sector is especially important as policy makers consider new and existing health plan options in both Medicare and Medicaid."  
  

$6.5 Million Offered to States to Improve Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders
SAMHSA press release - "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced it is offering $6.5 million in incentive grants to states that want to develop and enhance their infrastructure to improve treatment for persons with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. The average annual award under the program will range from $500,000 to $1.1 million in total costs per year for up to five years. Up to ten awards will be available. Only the immediate office of the governor in a state may apply."  
  

Beacon status for innovative mental health service (UK)
Story at This is Local London - "Innovative work to help children and adolescents with mental health problems in the county has helped Surrey County Council to receive national recognition for its services. Beacon status has been bestowed upon the Children and Adolescents Mental Health Service (CAHMS), which will now stand as a model of best practice for other councils and agencies involved in helping vulnerable young people with emotional, behavioural and mental health problems."  
  

Mental Illness Strikes Babies, Too
Health Scout News article at Medical Web - "Babies and toddlers are too young to take Prozac or complain about their childhoods, but psychologists are finding their tender age doesn't protect them from mental illness. Children under the age of 3 can suffer from symptoms of depression, including disruptions in eating and sleep. In recent years, researchers have discovered the youngest humans can even suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, once thought to be only an illness of adults."  
  

Conference examines mental health issues (Wisconsin)
Press release from the University of Wisconsin - Madison - " 'The Liberal State and Its Mental Health Power,' a public conference examining mental health issues in society, is set for April 25-26 at the UW Law School. Sponsoring the interdisciplinary event are the Project for Law and the Humanities, Institute for Legal Studies, Frank J. Remington Center, University of Wisconsin Law School, Mendota Mental Health Institute and State Bar of Wisconsin, with assistance from The Evjue Foundation and Forest Pharmaceuticals."