Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Out with child restraints, in with hugs (Massachusetts)
Boston Globe story reprinted at the NAMI web site on the Cambridge Hospital Child Assessment Unit, where Dr. Bruce Hassuk replaced regulations about restraints and lock-ups "...with a new, collaborative theory that he says had not been used on hospitalized patients and introduced an 'Open Arms' approach that emphasized flexibility and mutual respect. He expanded visiting hours from two hours a day to 24, eliminated the use of restraints, and tore off the doors to the seclusion room. When asked why he thought those changes would work, Hassuk scratches his spiked blond hair, gives an impish smile, and says he sees himself as a kid and knows how he'd like to be treated."  
  

Mental health care not working (Michigan)
Detroit News story - "Consumers and providers of mental health care in Wayne County complained of heavy administrative costs, duplication of services and a lack of appropriate care at a hearing of the Michigan Mental Health Commission last week. Representatives of both groups said that a managed care system instituted by the state and federal governments in 2002 to provide competition among health care providers in the county has made the problems worse..."  
  

Advocates Argue State's Mental Health System 'At Crisis Point' (North Carolina)
WRAL story - "Officials estimate that more than 1 million people in North Carolina need treatment for mental illness or substance abuse. Advocates said the system in place is well-intentioned, but simply overwhelmed. The violence is rare, but it shines a bright light on the breakdowns in mental health funding and organization..."