Psychiatric Disabilities/Mental Illness

The National Center for Health Statistics has announced a new release of updated statistical tests the health of older Americans showing data by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin. The tables are easy to customize. Table topics include Chronic Conditions, Functional Status and Disability, Health Care Expenditures and Utilization, Health Insurance, Health Issues, Living Arrangements, Mental Health, Mortality, Population, Risk Factors, Socio-Economic Status, Special Equipment, Medications.

This report focuses on adults with severe mental illness served by the public mental health system. It aims to identify and describe the range of self-directed care programs for this group being pursued by states and bring together existing evidence relating to the impact of these programs on individuals and on state resources. In doing so, it attempts to contribute to the ongoing debate about effective strategies for improving the quality and outcomes of the public mental health system.

Also known as IMR, this program's goals are to develop and review personal goals and strategies to deal with Mental Illness. It introduces the concept of "recovery" and encourages people to develop their own definitions of personal strategies. The brochure and presentation offer a program overview.

Review the presentation slides from Ohio's Coordinating Center for Act. Topics include an overview of Peer Support, Setting Boundaries and Guarding Against Dual Relations. The presentation also includes examples of programs in six other states.

What are the roles and definitions of those involved in peer support? The Ohio Coordinating Center for ACT's has developed a number of Job Description (Case Manager, Peer Specialist, Psychiatrist, Registered Nurse, Substance Abuse Team Member, Team Leader, Vocational Team Member). Review the suggested guidelines and requirements.

Ohio Coordinating Center for ACT published this white paper, subtitled Using Peer Support to Enhance ACT Teams. The publication offers definations, implementation suggestions and list of barriers. The guide was edited by consumers, providers and other stakeholders and disseminated at the 2007 CMS national conference.

Fifty-nine participants in three cohorts of training for ACT Peer Support Specialist (PSS) were surveyed on the last day of their training on a number of outcome variables, including current employment status. Participants were asked about motivations for training and seeking employment as a peer support specialist, quality of life, and empowerment. Review the survey questions and results

This collection of materials comprises a short course for consumers to further peer support among individuals, to gain skills for use as Peer Support Specialists, to advance the use of warm lines and partnering activities, and to form and sustain peer support groups. The expectation is that people giving and taking this course will have heightened awareness of effective communication skills and resources to assist them as they provide peer support.

This report provides a state-by-state analysis of how Medicaid agencies are exercising their responsibilities for mental health services. The report is based on telephone interviews and explores how state Medicaid agencies are addressing the organization, funding, policy, management and data issues that arise from increased responsibility for mental health services. Review the findings which indicated how States have taken varying approaches to providing services.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Continuing Care Administration, is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to work with DHS staff and key stakeholders to complete a State Long-Term Care Profile. A State Profile tool was developed by Thomson Medstat under contract with CMS. The Profile must describe the state’s long-term care delivery system for 7 population groups that account for the majority of people who need hcbs in MN. Proposals are due January 28, 2008.