President Bush Appoints
Mental Health Commission

President George W. Bush announced the creation of The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health at the University of New Mexico on April 29, 2002. The mission of this Commission is to conduct a comprehensive study of the United States'mental health service delivery system, including both the private and public sectors, and to advise the President on methods of improving the system.

In his address, the President stated that "our country must make a commitment: Americans with mental illness deserve our understanding, and they deserve excellent care." President Bush identified obstacles to quality mental health care, including the stigma that surrounds mental illness, "a stigma caused by a history of misunderstanding, fear, and embarrassment." "As many Americans know," the President said, "it is incredibly painful to watch someone you love struggle with an illness that affects their mind and their feelings and their relationships with others. 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 the treatment comes early." The President concluded his address by saying, "We must work for a welcoming and compassionate society, a society where no American is dismissed, and no American is forgotten. This is the great and hopeful story of our country, and we can write another chapter. We must give all Americans who suffer from mental illness the treatment, and the respect, they deserve." Two of President Bush's 15 appointees to the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health are no strangers to Washington County. Michael E. Hogan, Ph.D., was appointed Commission chairperson. He is the director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and has visited our community many times. Dr. Dan Fisher is a psychiatrist, researcher, and co-director of the National Empowerment Center in Boston. He has spoken openly about his recovery from schizophrenia at conferences and workshops around the world and has spoken at two recovery conferences in Washington County, first in December of 2001 and again in May of this year. As the only appointee to the Commission who is known to have experienced mental illness, Dr. Fisher has expressed his desire to receive input from consumers of mental health services concerning the mental health issues that the Commission needs to address. At his request I conducted a preliminary poll in Washington County and the following five issues were most commonly cited: More funding for mental health, particularly for programs that believe in and promote recovery from mental illness. Extensive recovery-based training for family members and professionals in the field so that the main sources of support to the consumer will understand that recovery is possible and learn methods of fostering recovery and hope. A more rewarding and encouraging system for exploring employment opportunities for consumers of mental health services. Greater inclusion of consumers in all aspects of mental health policy-making and evaluation of mental health service delivery. Public education and better enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act to eliminate stigma and discrimination. If you would like to voice your concerns about the current American mental health system and policies, please contact: President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 13C-26 Rockville, Maryland 20857 Phone: (301) 443-1545 Fax: (301) 480-1554 For ongoing updates on the work of the Commission, visit their website: www.mentalhealthcommission.gov