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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jrbecker76 on August 26, 2009, at 20:27:13
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-e-jones/mental-health-consumers-l_b_269874.html
Sarah E. Jones
Posted: August 26, 2009 04:54 PM
Ted Kennedy leaves a remarkable legacy of advocacy. From his earliest days in the United States Senate, he showed a sensitivity toward the plight of Americans often marginalized by the political machine. These Americans include the millions suffering from a major mental illness.The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that one in seventeen adult Americans experience a major mental illness like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. A study recently released by the National Institute of Mental Health reveals that mental illness costs the nation $193 million in unearned income per year.
It is undeniable that mental health care is an issue that should concern legislators, yet the needs of mental health consumers are often ignored. The American mental health care system continues to fail. This year, NAMI gave the nation a grade of D for its treatment of mental health concerns.
Kennedy was one of several legislators who did not ignore the crisis. He was familiar with the issue of mental health care: his older sister Rosemary underwent a lobotomy in 1941. The operation left her incapacitated. His son Patrick, Jr., who serves the 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island, has been public about his struggle with bipolar disorder and substance abuse.
It is no surprise, then, that Kennedy extended his record of advocacy to the issue of mental health care reform. He became a key sponsor of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. The act, which requires insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health care, began life in 1996 as an amendment to a larger health bill.
Originally sponsored by Senators Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Paul Wellstone (D-MN), the act passed the Senate but was cut by the House. Kennedy became a key sponsor of the act and reintroduced it in 2007. This time, it passed both the Senate and the House and was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 3rd, 2007.
Kennedy's formidable skill as a statesman was instrumental to the passage of an act that he described as "a major breakthrough for those with mental health needs." Although the mental health care system continues to require reform, mental health parity represents a significant improvement. As the health care debate rages on, Kennedy's bipartisan efforts on behalf of sick Americans should be remembered, indeed imitated, by his colleagues.
Posted by Phil on August 26, 2009, at 21:01:21
In reply to Mental Health Loses Vital Advocate in Kennedy, posted by jrbecker76 on August 26, 2009, at 20:27:13
Franken needs to step up.
All of the bills that have saved, or helped, me over the years have Kennedy's name all over them.
I didn't know that about his sister.
Posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2009, at 21:02:35
In reply to Mental Health Loses Vital Advocate in Kennedy, posted by jrbecker76 on August 26, 2009, at 20:27:13
JR thanks so much for posting this had no idea about his sister and Son. Love Phillipa
Posted by clipper40 on August 27, 2009, at 2:47:10
In reply to Mental Health Loses Vital Advocate in Kennedy, posted by jrbecker76 on August 26, 2009, at 20:27:13
It's a sad day. I wish we could get real health care reform in the U.S. and that Kennedy could have lived to see it.
Posted by Sigismund on August 27, 2009, at 15:28:29
In reply to Re: Mental Health Loses Vital Advocate in Kennedy » jrbecker76, posted by clipper40 on August 27, 2009, at 2:47:10
Joe Kennedy would have been a challenge to have as a father.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Kennedy
Dominic Dunne died the same day as Ted Kennedy.
Posted by yxibow on August 27, 2009, at 18:28:55
In reply to Mental Health Loses Vital Advocate in Kennedy, posted by jrbecker76 on August 26, 2009, at 20:27:13
Indeed so, all major health care bills that has benefited me recently are largely due to Ted Kennedy and his fellow legislators.
Without COBRA and HIPAA it would be very difficult for a private individual to get insurance.
The Mental Health Parity Act has many flaws in it -- it will need to be improved by those who can manage to fall in the footsteps of such an honoured individual.
His family has had much sadness and flaws, but the good cannot be forgotten.
May his surviving family be in our thoughts and may some form of gaps provided in health care in this country for all those suffering, not just those mentally ill who have a stigma in society, but all those who need even the basic necessities.
-- tidings
This is the end of the thread.
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