Thursday, September 04, 2003
How States Used TANF and MOE Funds in FY 2002: The Picture from Federal Reporting A report (in
Adobe Acrobat format) by the Center for Law and Social Policy, available at the
Open Minds web site - "The Department of Health and Human Services has released financial data for states’ use of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and state maintenance of effort (MOE) funds for the 2002 fiscal year (FY). Drawing from this federal financial reporting, we describe here how TANF and MOE funds were used in FY 2002 and we discuss policy implications. An appendix provides details about rules relating to the use and spending of TANF and MOE funds."
NAMI Consumer Council to Host Consumer/Survivor Leadership Forum NAMI press release - "In order to promote enhanced collaboration among elements of the consumer/survivor movement, the NAMI National Consumer Council is pleased to announce it will host a Round Table Forum of leaders from the consumer/survivor movement to work towards establishing a Consensus Partnership Platform for Change. This groundbreaking policy-centered event is planned to occur as soon as possible within the next 90 days in order to build on new opportunities presented by the recent release of the President’s New Freedom Commission Report."
Wyeth Warns Doctors about Drug Prescribed for Children Story from
The Record (Hackensack NJ) reprinted at
PsycPORT - "Wyeth is alerting doctors about increased reports of hostility, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm in children who took its antidepressant, Effexor. The letter comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in June that no one under age 18 suffering from major depression should be prescribed Paxil, another popular antidepressant drug made by GlaxoSmithKline. The agency said then it was reviewing reports of a possible increase in suicide attempts with Paxil. An FDA spokeswoman said Wednesday it is reviewing clinical data regarding antidepressant use by children."
Sex Differences May Not Be Important for Antidepressant Treatment Medscape Medical News story - "Differentiation according to sex is not important in treatment with common antidepressants, according to the results of a study published in the September issue of the
American Journal of Psychiatry. Although women with major and predominantly melancholic depression appeared to have higher plasma concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants than did men, the consequences of this difference for clinical effects are unclear." [Viewing
Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].
Early Intervention Article in
Current Opinion in Psychiatry at
Medscape - "This review focuses on papers published during the past year on early childhood intervention. We consider literature reviews, program descriptions, and empirical studies in two broad areas of early intervention: for children with developmental disabilities, and for children considered at-risk for developmental problems." [Viewing
Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].
The Psychological Impacts of Bioterrorism Article from
Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science at
Medscape - "Since September 11, 2001, federal, state, and local government agencies' emergency response planning has focused on possible terrorist attacks using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive (CBRNE) weapons. ... Before September 11, 2001, government agencies and public health leaders in states from representative regions of the country had not incorporated mental health as a component of their overall response plan to bioterrorism. Anticipating the psychological and behavioral consequences of a bioterrorist attack is now an urgent task facing our government's leaders and our nation's health-care system." [Viewing
Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].
County will restructure residential treatment for those with mental illness (Minnesota) Coon Rapids Herald story - "Anoka County is restructuring its residential treatment program for adults with mental illness. The changes are the result of action by the 2003 Minnesota Legislature. ... As part of its restructuring, the county will reduce the size of the residential treatment center from 14 to seven beds, and cap the length of stay at 90 days. Clients will then be moved into a community setting, either to an apartment or other housing with support services..."
DHS asks federal approval of changes to resume services (Oregon) Story in the
Hillsboro Argus - "Although the Legislature recently approved significant restorations of human services benefits cut last spring to balance the state budget, the state agency that delivers the services is issuing this warning: If you are among those who found stopgap alternatives to services or benefits you lost last spring, don't give them up yet, even though state lawmakers voted to restore many of them." Among the changes for which the state is preparing to seek approval, "For about 55,000 people in the Oregon Health Plan's Standard benefit package, restoration of outpatient mental health and chemical dependency treatment, emergency dental treatment, payment for medical supplies, and a change from full to partial hospitalization benefits."
Judge dismisses suit seeking mental health changes at jails (Wyoming) Casper Star-Tribune story - "A federal judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit accusing El Paso County jail officials of mistreating mentally ill inmates. The lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union asked U.S. District Court Judge Richard Matsch to order new protections for the inmates. But Matsch said lawsuits claiming inhumane treatment of inmates must be resolved individually and refused to allow class certification."
