The Power to Make a Difference: Creating Equity in Behavioral Health Care Paolo del Vecchio, M.S.W., Director

SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services Partnering Toward a Healthier Future

Center for Population Health and Equity Hyattsville, MD • December 3, 2013

Health Disparities

• Discrimination against LGBT persons is associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide (Healthy People 2020).

• Older African Americans are at high risk for depression due to elevated rates of chronic illness, disability, and socioeconomic distress (SAMHSA, 2013).

• Black and Latino children use fewer mental health services than white children (Khan, 2012).

• 14 percent of active duty military personnel reported serious psychological distress in the past year (Behavioral Health U.S., 2012).

Defining Recovery

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. – SAMHSA, 2011

Four Dimensions of Recovery

Individuals and Families

Health

Peers Are Leading the Way

Peer = Wellness and Integrated Care

Shared Decision Making

http://store.samhsa.gov

Using Technology

Addressing Trauma

Purpose of Strategic Initiative #2: Trauma and Justice:

Reducing the pervasive, harmful, and costly health impact of violence and trauma by integrating trauma-informed approaches throughout health, behavioral health, and related systems and addressing the behavioral health needs of people involved in or at risk of involvement in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

Home

— Photo, Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer Rafael DePalma stands in his studio apartment in South Pointe Commons, permanent supportive housing intended to help homeless people stay off the streets.

Family at Dudley Apartments, which provides supportive services and stable housing for clients so that they have an opportunity to heal from the effects of homelessness.

Supportive Housing Works!

Purpose

Employment for Ex-Offenders

“[In] supported employment services . . . criminal justice issues can be a crucial impediment to psychiatric rehabilitation.”

Whitley et al. (2005). Psychiatric Services, 60(12), 1637-1641.

Community

Olmstead v. L. C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999)

“Confinement in an institution severely diminishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment.”

Let’s Talk About It

www.creatingcommunitysolutions.org

Changing Public Attitudes

• 38 percent of Americans are unwilling to be friends with someone having mental health problems.

• More than 68 percent are unwilling to have someone with depression marry into their family.

• 64 percent do not want someone who has schizophrenia as a close co-worker (Pescosolido et al., 2000).

Within Our Reach

For More Information

SAMHSA 1 Choke Cherry Road • Rockville, MD • 20857 Phone: 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) TTY: 1-800-487-4889 Fax: 240-221-4292 http://www.samhsa.gov

CMHS Phone: 240-276-1310 Fax: 240-276-1320