Governor’s 2 nd Annual Health Care Summit Mental Health

September 25, 2003Governor’s 2 nd Annual Health Care Summit Mental Health Session Highlights  Moderator: Jani McCall, Montana Children’s Initiative  Panelists –Dan Anderson, DPHHS –Senator John Esp –Donald L. Harr, MD –Gary Mihelish, DMD

September 25, 2003Governor’s 2 nd Annual Health Care Summit Mental Health in Montana is in Transition  Consensus that the Montana mental health system is in TRANSITION but we still have areas of crisis.  Examples of crisis: under-funded, under-staffed, not keeping up with demand, and needs of rural areas not being met. A Public Health/Primary Care Approach to Mental Health is Needed in Montana  Need comprehensive health care (focus on whole person and the impact of illness and all other aspects of an individual’s life)  Removes stigma of mental illness  Involves a global/community approach to meeting peoples needs, training and preparedness of health and human service workers

September 25, 2003Governor’s 2 nd Annual Health Care Summit What is Working in Montana  The children’s system of care initiative.  Developing the Service Area Authorities (SAAs)  Family and consumer involvement is a priority  Community based funding going up; institutional funding going down  Maintaining pharmacy benefit for adults  Development of co-occurring (MH/CD) services  Focus on outcomes and evidence based programs  Good providers; innovative services  Aggressive community treatment and options