A big week for this thing called parity-
The parity hearing held last week in Denver did much to help folks get an understanding of just what parity in the health care arena might mean. With regard to healthcare, parity refers to local, state, and national efforts to equalize private insurance benefits for mental health and substance abuse disorders with those available for physical conditions. Patrick Kennedy, (former congressman from Rhode Island and cosponsor of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act of 2008) brought his passion and animated style to highlighting several stories from panelists. The manner in which well-crafted parity laws could offer better healthcare outcomes–not to mention the impact on the very lives of folks and communities–is indeed something to get excited about. Kennedy’s visit to Denver underscored Colorado’s role as a national leader in the fight for parity.
We are showing the country that a combination of innovative healthcare strategies, visionary leadership from providers of mental and physical healthcare, with an engaged and aware community can effectively and thoroughly serve the mental health needs of our communities. Parity is essential to this model, and it must be a part of our national strategy to prevent gun violence in communities across America.
On Wednesday of this week President Obama released a plan aimed at preventing gun violence that included several provisions for parity including:
- committing to finalizing mental health parity regulations
- clarifying the scope of mental health services in Medicaid plan
- and launching a national dialogue
While the Leadership in Washington goes about the business of ensuring greater access to mental healthcare throughout the country, Colorado must not miss a beat. In our state we can continue and build upon existing efforts to prevent gun violence and serve as a national leader in that effort.
While others may set about the business of collecting straw or sticks- I see Colorado mixing up the mortar with which to set the bricks.
- Bricks like screenings in the primary care setting
- Bricks like early interventions that are readily available
- Bricks like Trauma informed care
- Bricks like support and coordination with our Military Communities
- Bricks like the utilization of other groups in forwarding this work Bricks like culturally appropriate services
- Bricks like training programs like Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention
- Bricks like Recovery Models that measure recovery and demonstrate that treatment works
- Bricks like prevention strategies
- Bricks like moving in lockstep with substance use and treatment efforts
- Bricks like Research and Development programs that are well funded and supported
- Bricks like parity of payment for behavioral health providers
- Bricks like state leadership that “gets it”
- Bricks like Integrated Care Models
- Bricks like Public awareness campaigns
- Bricks like available crisis intervention
Parity is more than just a regulation in a book somewhere in Washington, D.C.–it is the house that the mental health community in Colorado is building to serve as a model for the rest of our country. We are at the forefront of understanding the need for community-based treatment of behavioral health as part of an overall strategy to prevent gun violence. We’re showing America and the rest of the world the power and effectiveness of a community response to very difficult national issues like mental health and gun violence. Community members, clinicians, and consumers all play an important role in this effort, and we still have a lot of work to do. Let’s not waste any time.
–Jeannie
For more information…
President Obama has called on Americans to lead the effort to prevent gun violence in our communities and across the nation. Here are a few links to information surrounding mental health parity, the specifics of the President’s proposals, and the role that increasing access to mental healthcare will play in the national strategy to prevent gun violence.
“Obama Calls On Congress To Act To Reduce Gun Violence,” from NPR News, 1.17.13
“Mental Health Gun Laws Unlikely to Reduce Shootings,” from NPR News, 1.16.13
“The Struggle for Mental Health Parity,” by Eric Whitney, Colorado Public Radio, 1.11.13