Friday, April 29, 2005

NAMI is a National Sponsor of Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-8 Announcement at the NAMI web site - "There is a desperate need to help uninsured Americans. The number of uninsured in the U.S. is staggering -- currently, there are 45 million Americans without health insurance. People with mental illness are at a particular risk of being uninsured because of high medical costs due to their illness. Furthermore, a lack of insurance can lead to or exacerbate mental health conditions. Without insurance, it is difficult for people to access necessary medical and mental health care, and conditions may worsen significantly as a result." See also the new web site, covertheunisuredweek.org.   
  

Mental-health agenda wins significant gains (Washington) Seattle Times story - "Advocates began spring worried budgets for state mental-health programs would be slashed by $82 million due to federal Medicaid cuts, but this week they are celebrating big gains. Not only were the cuts replaced during the state legislative session that ended Sunday, but $18 million in new money was granted to bolster addiction treatment. Mental-health advocates also won long-sought 'parity' for insurance coverage. It adds up to what some describe as the most significant legislative session for mental health in more than a decade..."