CONTACT:
Carole Szpak
202/393-6700, Ext. 18
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIND-BODY CONNECTION FACT SHEET AVAILABLE.
Demonstrates Benefits / Role of Behavioral Health within General Health Care.
(Washington, D.C., May 22, 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).
The fact sheet echoes and amplifies the message delivered by Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D. in his landmark report on mental health issued late last year. In responding to the Surgeon General's challenge, 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.
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.
View the fact sheet at http://www.naphs.org.
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.
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