Preventable physical illness in people with mental illness
University of Western Australia School of Population Health - "This unique study has examined the health experience of 240,000 Western Australians who have used mental health services during 1980-98 (representing about 8% of the population at any one time). Using de-identified data, their hospital admission rates, cancer incidence rates and death rates have been examined. People with mental illness are among the most marginalized people in our community. The consequences of mental illness often extend beyond the direct symptoms of the illness to affect people’s social and economic well being and all aspects of their lives. The aim of this study was to examine the physical health of people with mental illness. The purpose was to provide data that can be used to improve health services and design health promotion activities that can be specifically targeted at people with mental illness." There are three documents that can be downloaded and may be slow depending on the speed of your connection. We suggest that you read the two summaries first. If you have any comments, you can contact one of the authors at D'Arcy Holman [darcy@dph.uwa.edu.au]
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
New Zealand Government press release at Scoop - "Maori Health providers around the country are a vital link in providing the government with information and ideas on how to improve mental health responses says, Under-Secretary for Health, Mita Ririnui. ... Statistics indicate that Maori continue to enter acute mental health services at a disproportionately higher rate than non-Maori, but these do not reflect the milestones within the sector. The number of Maori mental health service providers has increased tenfold in the past 10 years which has resulted in a huge improvement in the way mental health issues have been identified and reported."
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Medical News Today story - "A new guide offering advice to employers and public and voluntary organisations on dealing with the stigma of mental health has been launched by the Social Exclusion Unit. It is hoped that the new leaflet will help people to better understand mental health issues, as well as encourage greater social inclusion for sufferers. The guide offers practical advice on how employers, financial services, public service agencies and voluntary bodies can offer support for those diagnosed with mental illnesses, as well as suggestions on how bad practice can be challenged."
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PR Newswire press release at Yahoo - "Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced awards totaling $34 million to develop comprehensive community-based mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and their families. These six-year grants build on President Bush's compassionate agenda that fosters innovative community-based solutions for families in need."
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Copyright 2003 © Bill Davis.
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