(Washington, D.C., May 19,
2000)
..Behavioral health care saves money, saves lives, and serves community
interests, according to a new four-page fact sheet demonstrating that Behavioral Health
Is an Integral Part of Overall Health developed by the National Association of
Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS). (Click here for the fact
sheet.)
The fact sheet echoes and amplifies the message delivered by Surgeon
General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D. in his landmark report on mental health issued late
last year. In responding to the challenge laid out by the Surgeon General, NAPHS has
brought together references from a wide variety of sources to demonstrate the
inseparability of mind and body. "We want this fact sheet to help healthcare
providers, policymakers, managed care, and community leaders work to build bridges between
behavioral and general health care," said NAPHS Executive Director Mark Covall in
issuing the document.
The fact sheet was developed under the direction of the NAPHS Committee on
Behavioral Health Services within General Healthcare Systems, chaired by Trace
Swartzfager of St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital in Mississippi. The committee
also includes Allan Erbe, Bon Secours of Hampton Roads, VA; Ali Elhaj, The
Acadia Hospital, ME; Anil Godbole, M.D., Advocate Behavioral Health Council, IL; Suzanne
D. Harrison, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, MD; Dennis King, Maine Medical
Center, ME; Nish Patel, Mayo Clinic, Harold Schwartz, M.D., Institute of
Living: Hartford Hospital, CT; and Laura Thomas, Carolinas Healthcare System, NC.
NAPHS will make the fact sheet widely available through its web site (http://www.naphs.org) to provide a common framework of
understanding. A glossy, 4-page printed version of the fact sheet is available for
$50/100 copies. (Mastercard/Visa accepted.)
ABOUT NAPHS
The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS) advocates for
behavioral health and represents provider systems that are committed to the delivery of
responsive, accountable, and clinically effective prevention, treatment, and care for
children, adolescents, and adults with mental and substance use disorders. Its members are
behavioral healthcare provider organizations, including 300 specialty hospitals, general
hospital psychiatric and addiction treatment units, residential treatment centers, youth
services organizations, partial hospital services, behavioral group practices, and other
providers of care. The association was founded in 1933.
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