In April 29, 2002 the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health was established by George W. Bush.  Highlighting this fact about stigma:

“Stigma leads to isolation, and discourages people from seeking the treatment they need. Political leaders, health care professionals, and all Americans must understand and send this message: Mental disability is not a scandal; it is an illness. And like physical illness, it is treatable, especially when treatment comes early.”

The very next year Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D. the Chairman, President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health submitted the findings with the FinalReport.pdf.

“The members of the Commission are gratified by your invitation to serve, are inspired by
the innovative programs across America that we learned about, and are impressed by the
readiness for change that we find in the mental health community. We look forward to
the work ahead to make recovery from mental illness the expected outcome from a
transformed system of care.”

The 2003 Conclusion was as followed,

“To transform the mental health care system, the Commission proposes a combination of goals and recommendations that together represent a strong plan for action. No single goal or recommendation alone can achieve the needed changes. No level or branch of government, no element of the private sector can accomplish needed change on its own. To transform mental health care as proposed, collaboration between the private and public sectors and among levels of government is crucial.”

Not necessarily the most comforting thought that “No level or branch of government, no element of the private sector can accomplish needed change.”

Well, it’s now 7 years later! We are on the verge of new health care reform and yet, we still have a lot of the same issues.  Is it possible that they had it right – “NO Level or No element” can fix this problem? This was the idea behind my cartoon above.

Just the other day there was a Massive Medicare Fraud Operation exposed in Miami that has been stealing from the system, netting in the ball park of  $83 million… Is this reform?

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    Last reviewed: 23 Oct 2010