2016

How the big biomedical bill advances U.S. mental health care
Posted on Dec 22 2016
PBS News Hour
*NAMI

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) the lead sponsor of the NAMI-backed mental health reform is interviewed about its successful adoption. He notes that if you or a family member have a mental health disorder that requires professional help—often at great expense—you unfortunately have to navigate a maze of treatment options, professional designations, insurance claims .

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Mental Health Resources
Posted on Dec 21 2016

*NAMI

When you or your family need help, "start at the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org. There you can look up treatment options for more than a dozen disorders, from ADHD to schizophrenia, plus find discussion groups and support." Part of a special feature issue.

Sweeping Health Measure, Backed by Obama, Passes Senate
Posted on Dec 07 2016
New York Times
*NAMI

The NAMI-backed bill raises the status of mental health issues by creating a new assistant secretary for mental health.

Senators, Military Specialists Say Army Report On Dismissed Soldiers Is Troubling
Posted on Dec 01 2016
National Public Radio
*NAMI

The Army has discharged more than 22,000 soldiers for misconduct after they came back from Iraq or Afghanistan – even though they had been diagnosed with mental health problems or brain injuries.

Measuring health to improve it: An introduction to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index
Posted on Nov 29 2016
The Primary Source (BCBS)
*NAMI

A first-of-its-kind measurement of nearly every county across the United States shows that depression, anxiety and other mood disorders rank #1 among five condition responsible for almost one third of health problems.

U.S. ‘Not There Yet’ on Mental Health Parity
Posted on Nov 15 2016
Pew Charitable Trusts: Stateline
*NAMI

NAMI releasds a survey report finding that in-network mental health care remains harder to find than treatment for other medical conditions (See press release)..

There’s a Startling Increase in Major Depression Among Teens in the U.S.
Posted on Nov 15 2016
TIME Magazine
*NAMI

The number of teens with depression is increasing, but the number getting help is not. NAMI is involved seeking support in schools.

How Can I Afford Mental Health Care?
Posted on Nov 11 2016
New York Magazine
*NAMI

A lot of health-insurance plans have what are called “phantom networks” that claim to cover your needs, but fall short when help is needed. That's also the focus of a NAMI survey report released the same week as this story. (See press release).

A soldier battling PTSD reported that he wanted to hurt his commanders. They disciplined him.
Posted on Nov 06 2016
The Baltimore Sun
*NAMI

Thr Departmenyt of Defense's policy toward mental health coniditions is inconsistent, even as it tries to eliminate  stigma that discourages people from seeking help  The military still has much work to do.  "e've barely scratched the surface.

A surprising story about mental illness
Posted on Nov 02 2016
The News Review
*NAMI

A man who has lived with schizophrenia for 11 year experiences a turn for the better thanks to practical application of NAMI's Engagement Initiative, defined as “winning and keeping trust, expressing that you care.” The story illustrates how NAMI works.