CLOSE TO HOME Mental health care access imperative

In February 2001, when President Bush launched his New Freedom Initiative, he noted that "... mental disability is not a scandal - it is an illness. And like physical illness, it is treatable ... (and) more individuals could recover from even the most serious mental illnesses if they had access in their communities to treatment and supports that are tailored to their needs."

Not too long ago, Buckelew Programs, the Sonoma County Division of Mental Health, the city of Petaluma, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development all helped to advance the vision of the New Freedom Initiative. In February, the Petaluma City Council approved Buckelew's plan to develop 14 units of affordable housing for adults with mental illness. The project, known as Boulevard Apartments, will be constructed next to the police station on Petaluma Boulevard North, with occupancy projected for late 2005.

Approval of the project was not without controversy. Nearby neighbors and businesses objected, citing concerns about lack of supervision, the impact of potential tenants' behavior, traffic and other issues that typically arise when projects such as Boulevard Apartments are proposed in local communities.

Not surprisingly, the project touches on several key points addressed in a report produced by the New Freedom Initiative's Commission on Mental Health. Released in July of 2003, the report, "Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America," asserts what Buckelew has known for some time - that we already have the essential skills, methods and technologies to assist in the recovery of people with mental illness. Some of the report's key strategies include:

Ensuring that people understand that mental health is essential to overall heath.

Advancing a national campaign to reduce stigma.

Assuring access to gainful employment and affordable housing for people with mental illness.

Orienting mental health systems toward the "recovery model."

Guaranteeing access to quality care for all Americans.

If we look at the entire process that culminated in the Petaluma City Council's approval of the apartment project, it is clear that many of these strategies played a part.

During meetings with constituencies, information was presented regarding the importance of mental health, and many of the stigmatizing myths surrounding mental illness were explored. County mental health officials, along with Buckelew staff, discussed many of the progressive approaches that constitute what is referred to as the "recovery model." And obviously, the project's over-arching goal is to provide affordable housing.

At the state level, efforts are already under way to generate the funding necessary to achieve a similar promise. If the Mental Health Services Act - which is on the November ballot - is approved by voters, approximately $600 million in funding would be generated in fiscal year 2005 to expand California's mental health services.

Mental illness affects all of us - even if we do not have a family member or friend who is impacted by this disease. The economic indirect cost of mental illness is currently estimated to be $79 billion annually in lost productivity due to illness and/or premature death, homelessness and unnecessary incarceration. Eight percent of the general population is suffering from serious mental illness - in Sonoma County, this translates to more than 37,000 of our friends, co-workers and neighbors.

Just as the Petaluma City Council took positive steps, you too have the chance to make a difference. Your actions in support of the president's New Freedom Initiative, and your vote in support of California's Mental Health Services Act, will let our representatives know that quality mental health care is a high priority for their constituency.

You can write, e-mail or fax your local, state and national representatives to add your voice to Buckelew's and those of other concerned citizens who have already mobilized to make mental health services a priority. Your commitment and support are helping Buckelew, and other mental health organizations "achieve the promise" in the North Bay.