Thursday, October 16, 2003
Concerned Parents of Toronto Handbook of Supports and Services for Persons with Dual Diagnosis in Toronto 2002 An
Adobe Acrobat publication available at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health web site - "The Dual Diagnosis Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is delighted to support the ongoing efforts of the Concerned Parents Association of Toronto Inc. of Toronto in assisting parents, relatives and friends to access resources for individuals with an developmental intellectual disability and mental health needs. The complex health and mental needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis result in significant challenges for all caregivers in accessing the appropriate services when needed. This latest edition is exceptional and applicable beyond the City of Toronto with the inclusion of easy to read information on how to navigate the system. Previous editions of this Handbook have been widely used by professionals, paraprofessionals and family members and friends."
The Behavioral Complaint: Symptom of a Psychiatric Disorder or a Matter of Temperament?
Contemporary Pediatrics article at
Medscape - "...My point, then, before talking about the distinction between a difficult temperament and a psychiatric disorder, is this: We should, first, look at normal behavior as occupying a very wide range and, second, be careful when categorizing a child's behavior as in some way pathologic." [Viewing
Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].
Medicaid shortfall increases fourfold (Maine) Story in the
Portland Press Herald - "A $37 million shortfall in the state's Medicaid program that came to light last month has now grown to about $150 million, thanks to higher-than-expected costs in the first quarter of the fiscal year that began July 1. ... The $112 million problem is only the latest in a string of financial headaches that have plagued the DHS this year, prompting calls from some lawmakers for new management at that agency, which is now being run by an acting commissioner. Baldacci has resisted making such changes as he pursues his plan to merge DHS and the state mental-health agency and appoint a new commissioner to run the combined agency."
Lawmakers want to broaden definition of affordable housing (Massachusetts) Sentinel & Enterprise story - "A legislative committee is recommending changes to the state's controversial affordable housing law that officials say will expand the definition of affordable housing without damaging the intent of the law. However, it's unclear whether a majority of the state's lawmakers will support the plan. Past attempts to change the so-called 40B law have failed while pitting suburban lawmakers against urban legislators." In the proposed bill, communities would be allowed to count affordable housing created under the community preservation act and Department of Mental Retardation or Department of Mental Health group homes.
Global mental health organisation calls for improved diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder A press release from Europe's Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks at
PRNewswire - "Two in 100 people suffer from bipolar disorder but many more remain undiagnosed. On average it takes 5-7 years for a correct diagnosis to be made. These are two shocking statistics being addressed today by the launch of a groundbreaking document, Bipolar Disorder: A Call to Action, which calls for worldwide improvements in patient care, public awareness, treatments and education in bipolar disorder. This initiative is the first of its kind in bipolar disorder and has been produced by the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN-Europe) hopes to facilitate and encourage individuals and groups throughout the world to actively advocate for those suffering from bipolar disorder. With such an invaluable tool, GAMIAN-Europe affiliates worldwide will be able to raise awareness of bipolar disorder, particularly the dangers of bipolar depression, and improve the lives of patients with the illness." See also the
Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks web site.
FAHC eyes mental health parity (Vermont)
Brattleboro Reformer story - "Vermont's largest hospital has decided to begin offering its employees mental health coverage equal with its insurance plan for physical problems. The move comes a month after Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington drew criticism from mental health advocates for failing to offer coverage for psychiatric and substance abuse treatments as comprehensive as that offered for other types of medical care."
Mental health center plan could save $1 million (Wisconsin)
Green Bay Press-Gazette story - "Two major changes for the Brown County Mental Health Center are being proposed in the budget that County Executive Carol Kelso unveiled Wednesday. She proposes to increase the daily rate for patients in the adult psychiatric unit and also to move the adolescent psychiatric unit closer to the adult unit. Combined, the moves would result in $1 million in savings, she said."
