[ JerryT - 4 - 14:20:48 ]
As a veteran who was once homeless as a result of being unable to work due to a mental disorder I would like to know what is going to be done to shelter the homeless of whom it is estimated that 1/3 have a mental disorder?

[ Amy/SiliconValleyCalif - 5 - 07:46:21 ]
Many people draw great benefit from certain common medications like Prozac or Trazodone. Not much is known about the effects on pregnancies, so often pregnant women in need go off their meds. What can be done to accelerate the research in this area?

[ Walter - 6 - 07:46:21 ]
I'm a consumer representative on the Supportive Housing Workgroup of the California Department of Mental Health. In the area of housing for the "seriously mentally ill", it seems like there should be more money available for affordable, safe housing. Many consumers have difficulty finding and keeping housing. The federal government provides a myriad of housing programs, but their requirements differ a lot.

[ Pueblo - 7 - 07:46:21 ]
Should mental health be a cabinate level position?

[ Dave - 10 - 09:31:48 ]
Hello from Fairfax Virginia! We are on line to watch the Webcast of this important event. One concern already raised but that is so important is the issue of affordable and available housing for those who suffer from mental illness. We wonder what thoughts the panel has on the issues, barriers and challenges facing housing needs in the new millenium? Members of Merrifield Center Clubhouse

[ Audrey - 12 - 09:38:16 ]
Will the White House -- as you did with AIDS-HIV awareness -- mandate training programs to educate all Federal employees, supervisors and contractors about the facts and stigma of mental illness and the legal rights of people with mental illnesses and other disabilities?

[ Chris - 13 - 09:40:59 ]
What are the plans to fund prevention initiatives throughout the country?

[ Margaret - 15 - 09:46:54 ]
Consumers who live in the community as "dependent recipients of service and care" express dismay that their religious needs are often ignored in their case management. or they are told that their religious beliefs have no place in the treatment process. How can this issue be addressed in the training of professionals who will provide care for persons with mental illness?

[ Margaret - 17 - 09:54:04 ]
The Joint Commission of the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JACHO) has now included spirtuality in its standards of care for persons with mental illness and addiction-related diagnones under in-patient psychiatric treatment. But what provision is being made for spirituality care for persons with mental illness who are discharged from the hospital and are "dependent recipients of service and care" for their mental illness and case management when they are unable to manage that care on their own?

[ Audrey - 18 - 09:59:00 ]
Many professional people with mental illnesses are not as lucky as a Mike Wallace or Tipper Gore who are "shielded" by celebrity when they disclose. They are concerned about how the stigma will impact them with employers or clients. Few support groups target the needs of highly functional professionals experiencing the illness and stigma of mental illness. Any ideas to help support this group?

[ Sylvia - 19 - 10:01:32 ]
I've been working for five years to develop support resources on the Internet for people who experience mood swings, fear, voices and visions.  I'd like to see Internet access available in community mental health centers and residential facilities.  May I have your endorsement and support? Sylvia Caras, Santa Cruz, CA Coordinator, People Who Net http://www.peoplewho.net

[ Audrey - 20 - 10:08:28 ]
I am a former Federal employee with bipolar disorder. I had a very responsible, challenging, and visible position and received many performance rewards. That is until I was diagnosed with depression and needed flexible hours under the Fed Rehab Act/ADA. I was reassigned to another supervisor who gave me only entry level jobs and turned down my requests for assignments equivalent to my grade, professional experience and education. The supervisor also expressed concerns I may be violent only because I had a mental illness. I finally left in frustration. My question: What will the White House do to ensure that all Federal employers and contractors working for Executive Branch agencies “walk the talk” in dealing respectfully and equitably with employees who have mental illnesses?

[ Peter - 21 - 10:20:37 ]
Managed care plans routinely deny mental health care to patients based on "medical necessity", and claim that their guidelines for declaring "necessity" are proprietary and not to be released to the general public and are not available to plan participants either before or after they sign up for the plan. These guidelines do not seem to conform to any standards out there in the psychological/psychiatric community. Should managed care plans be required to disclose this kind of information to people who may purchase the plans?

[ Paul - 22 - 10:23:34 ]
I am a mental health consumer receiving food stamp subsistance. When I began receiving SSD of only $587, they cut my food stamps to $23 per month. How can anyone survive on this small amount.

[ Peter - 23 - 10:24:24 ]
Today, most managed mental health care plans cap the number of outpatient visits per year a plan participant may have. Why wasn't this sort of practice outlawed by the Federal Mental Health Insurance Parity legislation?

[ Edward - 24 - 10:28:55 ]
A person here at the PEER Center receives $574, and I must share Medical cost up $554 per month before they are covered by Medicaid. This precludes my obtaining necessary medications and treatment.

[ JerryT - 25 - 10:28:55 ]
I am in touch via the with a young man who was shot at Columbine High. His mother, already strapped by the medical bills which resulted from his wounding,now must find the money to treat his severe PTSD. This is weighing heavily on him. Are you putting enough funds into the community to assist in treatment?

[ Jane - 26 - 10:34:42 ]
Virginia has a centralized, organized system of mental health,mental retardation , substance abuse and prevention services. The state seems to be wishing to disband and contract these services to private providers. Isn't this going backwards? If the dollars do not accompany this initiative, where will the accountability be? Won't it be more difficult to access services that are not centralized?

[ Jane - 27 - 10:37:21 ]
Are there any plans to pilot some large scale prevention programs--with enough funding to truly make a difference''to determine the outcomes possible if the programs would be fully funded?

[ Jane - 28 - 10:39:08 ]
What is the White House stand in promoting school based mmental health services to impact violence and other negative outcomes?

[ Judy - 29 - 10:48:22 ]
I am a woman from Texas who has Major Depression. My son has Schizophrenia. We live in a small rural area.There is nothing here as far as programs, help etc.It is 30 miles to the nearest clinic.We are not priority there since we don't live in their community. So of course, my question is what if any,plans are being made to meet the needs of people like us? Thank you for listening.

[ Peter - 30 - 10:59:31 ]
Managed care plans engage in quality assurance practices which entail full disclosure of patient treatment records. What can be done to safeguard patient confidentiality?

[ DebbieT/StanfordUniv - 31 - 10:59:31 ]
Do you feel the stigma surrounding mental health is increased because of the separation of benefits in insurance companies and the limitation of benefits?

[ Paul - 32 - 11:00:06 ]
Why is it that when a person who is diagnosed w/ a mental illness; and they have a physical illness that Dr.'s cant seem to figure out, they automatically say that it is psychogenic. I have had this problem on 2 separate occaisions, one of which was finally figured out; the other of which I am still suffering with today. Just because I may be "crazy" doesn't mean it's all in my head. What are we to do about changing the attitudes of health care providers in this country about people like me?

[ Peter - 33 - 11:00:51 ]
Some Medicare carriers say they have a right to complete patient treatment records. They say that participants waive their right to confidentiality when they sign up for their plans. What can be done to protect these patients' privacy?

[ DrJackson/NYpsycologicalassociation - 35 - 11:39:31 ]
The mental health parity talked about here is limited to the major mental illnesses, but what about mental illness which are not so severe as to require hospitilization but are nevertheless important problems requiring treatment.

[ RicardoM/UCSF - 36 - 11:39:31 ]
What proportion of the new funds will be devoted to prevention and what proportion to treatment?

[ RicardoM/UCSF - 37 - 11:39:31 ]
Will the government use the Institute of Medicine's 1994 report to guide its prevention efforts?

[ Anne - 38 - 11:39:31 ]
I have been watching the conference and was very impressed by the knowledgeable participants. I am a consumer in a psychosocial program known as Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services outside of Washington, D.C. and can relate to many of the issues. I wanted to thank all for their involvement!

[ BenjaminRoyMD - 39 - 11:39:31 ]
Alcohol and substance abuse, as well as personality disorders have not been mentioned, which is a stigma of its own - they are the "bad" mental health disorders. Increasingly the justece system is the first line of management for these patients whether they are depressed or schizopherenic. What does the administration propose to reduce improsenment for mental health disorders.

[ DavidNYC - 40 - 11:39:32 ]
Do you agree: Chemical dependency is a mental illness, and should be treated as such.

[ Magellan - 41 - 11:40:14 ]
I would like to see assessment tools incorporated into prevention services (CBCL, etc.) before children come into mental health system. Lets identify risks the same way children get annual physicals. Also, regarding the National Safety Program, lets incorporate mental health topics (feelings, emotional states, coping techniques, socialization, etc.) into the school curriculums.

[ BrendaF/Phila - 42 - 11:48:25 ]
What is the White House doing to redress the changes to Childhood SSI,which make it harder than ever for families to get help for children with mental illnesses?

[ LeeW/Phila - 43 - 11:52:48 ]
Can this administration provide a way for federal, state and local agencies - e.g. social security, disability, healthcare - to coordinate application processes and sharing of client/consumer information? This will simplify and speed the application and provide earilier assistance to those in need.

[ YvonneK/Phila - 44 - 11:53:35 ]
What is planning to be done regarding those who are struggling with mental illness and are incarcerted? Deferment programs that involve the Dept. of Corrections and The Mental Healthcare Assoc. are needed.

[ NYC - 45 - 11:54:13 ]
The plenary session emphasized the medical treatment of mental illness, but made little mention of councelling provided by licensed professional councellors, social workers, and psycologists. Does this imply a bias towards medical interventions or will the counselling component of treatment be included in the Parity bill.

[ NYC - 46 - 11:57:43 ]
I wonder if it would be feasible to institute mental health courses in our public education system for awareness and antistigma purposes?

[ Joe/Phila - 47 - 12:02:14 ]
Can clinical depression or bipolar depression be defined without reference to the patient and without reference to the patient's impact on other people? If so, what are the definitions?

[ Kate/NASAChatHost - 48 - 12:03:26 ]
I just spoke with the WhiteHouse who says they have already pulled 8 questions for responses during the next Session set to begin at 12:30. My hope is they will take many more.

[ RuthG/Phila - 49 - 12:06:28 ]
What exactly is the National Comprehensive School Safety Program, and what can be done to ensure that this program reaches all schools and their staff, not just the 1000 schools that will receive the donated TV satellites?

[ Anne/Phila - 50 - 12:07:44 ]
What is being done to help the mentally ill discharged from State and Federal facilities that were forced to close? A plan should have been in effect before closing these facilities.

[ Magellan - 51 - 12:16:27 ]
As a managed care benefits designer, we are increasingly being offered side by side with self-funded plans which are exempt under ERISA from regulatory mandates, creating adverse selection for any health plan that offers the better benefit. Will regulators expand their focus to include employer-funded plans?

[ NoemiBalinthNYPsychologicalassociation - 52 - 12:21:31 ]
The "medicalization" of mental illness may help to remove the "stigma". However, a panel with ONLY MEDICAL DOCTORS sends a distorted message, that treatment is in the domain of medicne only. At a time when there is increasing awareness, and data to demonstrate a "mind/body" connection, why weren't other professionals such as Psycologists who are doctoral level, social workers who are trained mental health professionals, and mental health experts not represented ? Their absence may send a mixed message to a confused public.

[ AnthonyC/Phila - 53 - 12:21:43 ]
With our Healthcare System in chaos, how are we to insure parity of services for Mental Health?

[ Yuri/LCSW - 54 - 12:22:13 ]
Has there been any study about the profit-oriented insurance U.S. non-profit insurance in cost-effectiveness on managed care mental helath services?

[ Maxine - 56 - 12:23:27 ]
There many persons who are Adult 'direct' consumers of mental health services who have a significant amount of knowledge and experience in the Public Mental Health System of Care. Many are not employed within the system nor do they choose to be associated with Organizations who receive substantial funding and incentives from the Pharmaceutical Industry. How will these non-compromised individuals be provided with opportunities to share their knowledge and expertise and to become meaningfully involved with the upcoming initiatives announced, for example, by NIMH, which begins in July, 1999?

[ VivianD/Phila - 57 - 12:25:41 ]
Could we stop splitting the child? Let's consider multi-system programming to avoid having families visit eight different systems. The Health Department, The Human Services -Children & Youth Agency, The Education Dept., The Criminal Justice Dept., Mental Health, Child Abuse, etc, must come together!

[ Yuri/LCSW - 58 - 12:26:18 ]
We need to study how MI is treated with what outcome in order to set a treatment policy as a nation. I believe in doing a variety of methods and a continium of care for a whole person from birth to old age.

[ Sylvia - 59 - 12:28:57 ]
I was concerned this morning at the narrow emphasis on the individual medically ill. I think psychiatric disabilities have a social context. I would like to see more emphasis on community support, spiritual comfort, social accommodations, peer networking.

[ VallreeNYC - 60 - 12:29:09 ]
Borderline Personality disorder makes up 2-3% of the general population (6 million). This is a chronic, seavre and persistent mental illness often misdiagnosed and treated without benefit of today's scientific findings. Will you include these in parity bills so these people can participate in the changes in the mental health systems?

[ Maxine - 61 - 12:38:54 ]
When will there be an NIH Consensus Conference of the ethical mental health community on providing proof of the biologically based etiology of mental disorders? When will there be an NIH Consensus Conference that will address the controversy on the facts and issues associated with the lack of proof when initiating the statement/annoucement that mental disorders are a "brain disease"?

[ DianeDakotaCountyChildrensMentalHealthCollaborativeMN - 62 - 12:38:54 ]
We would like first of all thank you for this exciting opportunity to discuss Mental Health issues. It is our hope that this will become an annual event. We were glad tosee the iniatives you have raised today, but are very concerned about issues and access and affordability (lobbying power, HMo's which is used to fight against consumer protection, health costs that consume to great a share of family incomes, companies that exempt themselves from regulation through self insurnce). Many of us feel that these are serious limits in the medical system as a whole and require reform so that we are not just prov iding parody with inadequate care. What is the governments role in regulating and monitoring managed care to ensure access and effectiveness of Mental Health services to children and families?

[ NancyT - 63 - 12:38:54 ]
How can mental health treatment be seen as the same as physical health when there is force and locked settings when people are in crisis and they often lose their civil rights as part of their experience?

[ June - 64 - 12:38:54 ]
What proposals, recommendations do you have for improving timely access to treatment for people with severe mental illness who deny they are ill and refuse to accept treatment?

[ Magellan - 65 - 12:39:04 ]
What can be done about stigma when so many media articles equate mental health clients with dangerousness, violence and being out of control?

[ DianeDakotaCountyChildrensMentalHealthCollaborativeMN - 66 - 12:39:59 ]
There is a population of single parents on public assistance, where working is not an option due to intense mental haelth needs of their children. Due to welfare reform they are forced to lose welfare if they are not employed within a very short time frame. What can be done at a national level to address this problem?

[ Russell - 67 - 12:40:09 ]
In light of the new proposal to increase the block grant funds for states. What percent of this money will be devoted to the disproportionately funded Children's Services?

[ Monica - 68 - 12:41:20 ]
The Chamber of Commerce always fight insurance parity here in California. Advocacy groups such as AMI and MHA try to educate them to the fact that good insurance coverage would actually be cost effective and people effective for businesses. Any suggestions for the Chamber of Commerce?

[ DakotaCountyChildrensMentalHealthCollaborativeMN - 69 - 12:43:25 ]
Could you speak about stigma and reform in light of congressional action on cessation of educational services to youth who are threats at school? As we meet, the House is about to approve the Ashcroft Ammendment, will President Clinton veto this bill which threatens the educational rights of our children and all children?

[ DakotaCountyChildrensMentalHealthCollaborativeMN - 70 - 12:48:56 ]
President Clinton said most Americans don't believe Mental Illness ccan be accurately diagnosed or adequately treated. We believe this is because of peoples first hand experiences (repeated inaccurate diagnosis and many unsuccessful treatments). The United States is seriously lacking in competent Mental Health providers (6,000 adolescent - child psychiatrists nation-wide is extremely inadequate!). How is this being addressed?

[ Deborah - 71 - 12:50:01 ]
Much work needs to be done to train college professionals on how to work with students that: 1. Need referrals because they are exhibiting the signs of mental illness. 2. Are recovering from an already diagnosed mental illness Are Federal funds going to be made available to meet these training needs? If the answer is yes, can you describe the application process or tell us how we can access the information when it is available?

[ Kate/NASAChatHost - 72 - 12:51:56 ]
If during this Session, your question is not answered due to time constraints, please take note that a text archive of this chat Room will be generated and forwarded to the Whitehouse following this Webcast.

[ Lynda - 74 - 12:55:01 ]
How can the state vocational rehabilitation programs be changed to accommodate the special needs of the mentally ill? I think that more programs like New York City's Fast Track to Employment would be an excellent model for all the states. I wish there would be more coordination between local businesses and supported employment programs. What can be done?

[ LienaA - 75 - 12:57:36 ]
Aside from the summit follow up that all participants of the summit will recieve, is there any discussion of a quarterly/yearly update of what the government actions will be? If so, how can an individual obtain such an article?

[ JerryT - 76 - 13:03:07 ]
Will a national suicde prevention hot line ever be established.The current resources are woefully inadequate.

[ Audrey - 77 - 13:11:31 ]
Too many employers "talk the talk" about mental illness by publicly supporting mental health causes or attending fund-raising social galas, but in reality, continue to stigmatize and discriminate against their own employees with mental illnesses. What incentives can we give employers for "walking the talk" of helping employees with mental disorders?

[ Kate/NASAChatHost - 78 - 13:22:28 ]
The Online Audience would like to know when questions will be answered?

[ Sylvia - 79 - 13:25:27 ]
There will be a national consumer leadership meeting in Portland OR in August. Would you like to launch your national police training program - CIT - with us there? Sylvia Caras, Santa Cruz CA Coordinator, People Who Net http://www.peoplewho.net

[ Sylvia - 80 - 13:34:38 ]
As many as 80% of those later diagnosed have experienced abuse, usually in childhood, usually sexual. How can we address the social precursor of psychiatric disability, the family and social violence?

[ PuebloColorado - 81 - 13:47:43 ]
We have formed a community mental health awareness organization as a result of your leadership. This was our first meeting. We are represented by the highest levels of our government and community. Thank you, Mrs. Gore, for your leadership. Jack Selway Mental Healthy Pueblo (Colorado)

[ Audrey - 82 - 13:47:43 ]
Schools stress zero tolerance for guns and drugs on school property. Why don't schools also have zero tolerance for emotional, physical and verbal abuse -- such as bullying, teasing -- which often triggers mental problems in kids?

[ Lynda - 83 - 13:47:43 ]
What about the pressure cooker environment of high school which, in some cases, predisposes the vulnerable to psychological disorders and violence? Shouldn't more alternative educational arrangements be found for those who may suffer from alienation and harassment, but are not fortunate enough to be able to home school?

[ ElliottWV - 84 - 13:48:59 ]
Research shows that choice based treatment is far more effcetive than coercive based alternatives. What incentives could be provided to assure that these kinds of options are pursued more frequently by the mental health system? http://www.contac.org

[ Kate/NASAChatHost - 85 - 13:56:20 ]
If during this Session, your question is not answered due to time constraints,please take note that a text archive of this chat Room will be generated and forwarded to the Whitehouse following this Webcast.

[ VernW - 86 - 13:56:41 ]
Given that county mental health authorities don't recieve adequate monies to serve all theclients needing service and the private sector chooses not serve the medical uninsured, where will funding come from for more service and service to noninsured working poor and their families?

[ Kate/NASAChatHost - 87 - 13:59:17 ]
Conference Personnel: Please try to take more questions from the Online audience.

[ VernW - 88 - 13:59:26 ]
There needs to be legislation forcing the collaboration of DSS, DMA, JPD in the development of regional children's flexible service trust funds.

[ Kate/NASAChatHost - 89 - 14:07:11 ]
Thank you for joining us. I have forwarded this Chat Room to Mrs. Gore with all of your questions.

[ ElliottWV - 90 - 14:14:48 ]
Research shows that choice based treatment is far more effcetive than coercive based alternatives. What incentives could be provided to assure that these kinds of options are pursued more frequently by the mental health system? http://www.contac.org

[ Maxine - 91 - 14:14:48 ]
During the Plenary Session of the Conference, reference was made to "New Treatment Success Rates". Could you please advise as to where the hard copy documentation can be accessed of the nationwide treatment success rates? What achievements does the administration consider to be a "success" for a diagnosed mentally disabled individual, i.e. stabalization on medication for control of symptoms or recovery? What are the standards to identify recovery as opposed to stabalization on medication?

[ Audrey - 92 - 14:14:55 ]
Thanks again Kate for your hard work and support.

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