We will inform everyone, public and legislators alike, about what health plans must include to provide effective treatment for mental illness.

With the inevitable demise of the destructive managed care system, we must be sure that everyone knows what should be included in the emerging new health care system to insure access to effective treatment. Whatever new systems are developed must include real mental health care. But that will never happen without a massive national educational effort, which no major professional or consumer groups have done. The NCMHPC is lean and mean, small enough and smart enough to respond quickly and effectively to the critical issues affecting mental health care. We fight for what you want: choice, quality, privacy, and a pro-consumer health care system.

Our massive educational campaign will be directed to every member of Congress, the Bush Administration, to every state legislature, the public, and the media. In plain language, we spell out the basic ingredients needed for effective, high-quality treatment: Real Benefits, Real Parity, and Real Funding. (see more in this issue of the newsletter)  

Representative Gephardt will give a major policy speech on the future of mental heath. This is an historic event for a national leader of his stature and prominence to talk about mental health policy. Come join us and show your support for bringing national attention to the future of mental health treatment.

Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) knows first-hand how important effective treatment is. He too will share his both his experiences and perspective on the future of mental health care in America.

This symposium will help to change the nature of public discourse on mental illness. We plan to annually bring nationally known speakers together for this symposium, to begin to change the way the public, the media, and lawmakers see mental illness.

Other well-known mental health professionals, consumers, and advocates will be on the program too, addressing such issues as: privacy, the ethics of health care, new systems of health care, children's mental health, geriatric mental health issues, etc. It will be incredibly exciting to have the leaders in our field and in this nation come together to present their ideas and take questions from the audience

The National Coalition intends to stay on the cutting edge of the critical issues in mental health and in the forefront of advocacy for effective treatment for mental illness, addictive disorders, and emotional problems. But we can’t do this without you! We need your help to put mental health at the top of the nation’s agenda by joining us as members and making contributions.

I feel deeply honored to have been chosen to follow Karen Shore, PhD, to carry forward the values, the ethical goals, and the mission of the NCMHPC: Achieving Choice, Privacy, and Quality Health Care. She is my personal hero, and I will do my best to move us forward on the path she has blazed.

I look forward to the day when everyone in this country can get real mental health care, and will fully dedicate my energies into making that a reality. With your support, your ideas and creativity, and your efforts we will reverse the devastation that managed care has wrought.

Deborah C. Peel, M.D.
President-elect NCMHPC