Break-through Preventative Care Program For People Living With Bipolar Disorder

A major breakthrough in mental health has been developed, a cooperative venture between the National Bipolar Foundation and the MedicAlert Foundation; a preventative care program called "Safe 'til Stable." It provides vital medical information to emergency responders in time of need through our live 24-hour emergency response service. In a medical emergency, this can help reduce the trauma experienced by individuals impacted with bipolar disorder.

If an individual experiences an event, first responders on the scene (e.g., law enforcement, emergency services personnel, etc.) will look for a medical ID with the "MEDIC ALERT" symbol. The "Safe 'til Stable" program is a milestone; in that, those with bipolar disorder will have a voice in times when they cannot speak for themselves, will be properly routed in times of emergency providing a sense of security for the individual and those close to them.

The National Bipolar Foundation (NBPF) was founded, in 2007 by Marc Kullman, in order to reduce stigma, educate, and seek affordable health care for those people living with bipolar disorder. A National Awareness Initiative has been launched to spread awareness through press releases, press conferences, proclamations, influential people, and its online campaign through social media networking. The MedicAlert Foundation, founded in 1956, is the leader in providing identification and emergency medical information. Together both foundations have developed a program that will prevent the misdirection, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment's of participants; saving precious time and dollars.

Bipolar disorder is said to affect at least 1 in 100 people and some say as many as 1 in 25, including undiagnosed cases. This cooperative effort between NBPF and the MedicAlert Foundation will have widespread impact on our society. Children, adolescents, and adults living with bipolar disorder, who are involved in accidents and unable to speak for themselves will have the MedicAlert Emergency Services speaking for them, informing hospital staff and medical providers of their diagnoses, current medications in order to avoid potential dangerous withdrawal, and the acute onset of instability in regards to any symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Another major benefit of the program is that when a bipolar person finds themselves in an unforeseen incident, responders will react in an appropriate manner; thus given the opportunity to defuse the situation or transport the person to an appropriate facility. The implementation of this program immediately creates jail diversion benefiting all of society. The "Safe 'til Stable" program will benefit individuals wearing the identification jewelry, reduce stress on their families, and ultimately reduce the cost of their care for all taxpayers.

Source: National Bipolar Foundation
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Mental Health America Applauds Bipartisan Legislation To Help Treat Depression And Bipolar Disorders

Mental Health America is applauding legislation introduced by a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators to establish national centers of excellence for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders.

The centers will create a national network to help diagnose people in need and improve access to evidence-based, quality care.

The bill, called the "ENHANCED Act" was introduced by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), George Voinovich (R-Ohio), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and John Kerry (D-Mass.). Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) is also a co-sponsor.

The legislation is based on efforts catalyzed by the University of Michigan Depression Center with 15 other leading academic medical centers across the nation. Joining together, these universities created a network of depression centers positioned to take academic research and translate it into practice, standardize diagnoses, treat early and more effectively, and prevent recurrences of depression and bipolar disorders.


In a letter to Stabenow applauding her leadership in crafting the bill, Mental Health America said:

"These centers are especially critical at this time given the strong evidence that economic uncertainty and recession increase the rates of psychiatric symptoms and demand for services. Depression is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher health care costs. Rates of depression and suicide-already at a staggering level of nearly 33,000 persons a year (roughly twice the number of homicides)-tend to climb during times of economic tumult. Our nation must prioritize the integration and coordination of mental health with general health care."

The ENHANCED Act of 2009:

- Creates a national network with a pathway for developing and expanding up to 30 depression centers of excellence to increase access to the most appropriate and evidence-based depression care.

- Develops evidence-based treatment standards, clinical guidelines, and protocols to improve accurate and timely diagnosis of depression and bipolar disorders.

- Expands multidisciplinary, translational, and patient-oriented research by fostering the collaboration of academic and community-based service centers.

- Establishes a sustainable national resource for public and professional education and training, to advance knowledge and eradicate the stigma associated with depression and mood disorders.

Mental Health America looks forward to working with the Senate sponsors to win enactment of the legislation.

Source
Mental Health America
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