FALL UPDATE 2004
Deb Matteucci Named Development Director
“Association management is like running a business – income, expenses, customers and products,” said Deb Matteucci. Selected as the new development director for the Montana Mental Health Association, Matteucci and the Association’s Board of Directors have been examining those four elements for the past two months to provide Montana with the very best possible programming and resource development.
To Educate ...
Mental Health Providers:
MMHA serves mental health professionals by providing clinically informative educational opportunities with the goal to improve the availability of quality mental health care to all communities in Montana.
General public:
MMHA provides information and public awareness campaigns that reduce stigma, assist in early identification and give hope to those who suffer from mental illness. Seeking and getting early treatment can lessen chronic mental illness, reducing the rising costs of care. We also offer a statewide resource library and referrals to other information sources.
To Advocate …
A firm believer in partnerships, Deb knows the association does not operate in a vacuum. MMHA and its Affiliates seek to collaborate with community efforts to honor those with mental illness by providing consumer trainings, legislative lobby, policy reforms and support.
To Appreciate ...
Each Member of the MMHA is so important! Without the support of our Membership and Donors, the Mission of the Association would not see completion. Every dollar contributed goes directly to supporting our efforts at outreach, education and advocacy. To learn more about supporting our programs, contact the MMHA office at 406-587-7774 or e-mail info@montanamentalhealth.org.
MMHA members are passionate about mental health. “They are deeply interested in the big picture, personally invested in the process and give freely of their time and talents” says Matteucci. “My goal for staff, directors, and volunteers who serve on the Board and committees is to make the best use of their time.”
A MESSAGE FROM DEB MATTEUCCI
Greetings,
It is my pleasure to join the Montana Mental Health Association as Development Director. This organization is filled with devoted and talented individuals, committed to providing the best service and environment possible for those living with mental illness. I feel blessed to join you!
Since May, we’ve been quite busy laying the groundwork for building programs and seeking out new members to further our Mission and Goals. The Board of Directors has been busy focusing our direction, defining needs and reviewing governing documents. As a Member, you’ll be asked to adopt updated bylaws this fall, so watch for that announcement.
Development plans for 2005 and beyond include the production of a short video segment, personal visits to local mental health associations, presentations to civic groups, a direct mail campaign and fund raising events. I hope each of you will take an active role in helping the MMHA grow into the future! There is work to be done to erase the stigma of mental illness and a great opportunity for each of you to be part of the solution!! I look forward to meeting you personally.
Wishing you mental health!
Deb Matteucci
Development Director
And the Winner Is ....
Dori Skrukrud from Butte is the lucky winner of the Minolta Dimage Z2 digital camera.
MMHA thanks all who participated in our raffle. Over $1,500 was raised to enable the Association to continue its advocacy and education efforts on behalf of persons with psychiatric disabilities.
News Brief
To Live Longer, Live Optimistically
Optimistic people have stronger immune systems. In a University of California, Los Angeles study, students who were rated optimistic on a test had higher levels of infection fighting agents in their immune systems than students who scored in the pessimistic range on the same test.
American Psychological Association
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Educational Conferences
September 24, 2004
Mental Wellness & Medications , Holiday Inn Downtown, Helena
October 1, 2004
Dealing with Persons in Emotional Crisis: Effective Crisis Intervention
Fort Peck Community College, Wolf Point
October 17-19, 2004
NMHA Fall Policy Conference, Alexandria, VA, For information, 703-837-3360
November 3-5, 2004
NAMI State Conference on Mental Illness, Great Falls, (toll free) 888-280-6264
Other Dates of Interest
• August 16, 2004
Public Policy meeting, Great Falls
• October 9, 2004
Board of Directors meeting, Helena
• MMHA office closed for holidays
o Labor Day – September 6th
o Thanksgiving – November 25 & 26
For more information:
406-587-7774 or e-mail info@montanamentalhealth.org or
check the web at: www.montanamentalhealth.org
2005 Montana Legislative Session Approaches
The Public Policy Committee is tasked with keeping Membership informed of pertinent mental health issues before the Legislature. Chairperson Dawn Smith and committee members meet regularly to track proposed legislation, identify issues, coordinate with other agencies, and define an Action Plan for the 2005 Session. A drafted Public Policy Platform for 2005-2007, approved by the Board of Directors, identifies the MMHA political position in each of 5 key areas: Institutional Services; Community Based Services; Children, Adolescent & Family Services; Insurance & Reimbursement Issues; and the Correctional System. The Public Policy Platform 2005-2007 is available for your review on the MMHA Website, by email or in printed form. New for 2005, the Public Policy Committee will be implementing a Legislative Action Plan. Each week, a Legislative Bulletin will be broadcast to interested Members – an overview of the past week’s activities, a calendar for the coming week’s legislation, and action needed on specific issues. The MMHA staff will be updating the bulletin each week. A broadcast CALL-TO-ACTION will be sent out when issues need immediate attention. This urgent message will contain the Bill name/number, the intent of the Bill, the MMHA position, and information needed to contact your local representatives and senators. To be included in the Broad- cast list, please contact the MMHA office.
Call (406) 587-7774 or e-mail info@montanamentalhealth.org.
The National Mental Health Association is a great resource for public policy updates. NMHA tracks mental health issues before the U.S. Congress and advocates for insurance parity, open access to medications, treatment and expanded community based services. Deb Matteucci, Development Director, will be attending the NMHA Fall Policy Conference. Watch for new information in your Winter MMHA newsletter. “State funding is limited and it’s important that we protect Mental Health Services. The more involvement from Members, the better!” says Chairperson Dawn Smith. To join the Public Policy Committee, or learn more, contact Dawn at dawns@gtc-mhc.org
Vote November 2nd!
Fall Conference: Mental Wellness & Medication
With drug costs high and money tight, effective treatment plans have never been more important! The Montana Mental Health Association presents “Mental Wellness & Medications” on Friday, September 24th, at Holiday Inn, Downtown, in Helena. This conference will provide the most current information available for planning Mental Health Care. It is critical for all providers to know the process and understand how to get the best possible treatment regimen for patients.
Keynote: Dr. Andrew McLean , Medical Director of the Human Services Center in Fargo, ND and Professor at U of ND School of Medicine presents: Open Access to Psychiatric Medications.
• Will provide attendees with various viewpoints on treatment and medications, as well as an understanding of the potential problems of restricted access.
Presenter: Bill Docktor, Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist presents: The Utility of Treatment Planning Guidelines.
• Site specific examples such as the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines and the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP), an algorithm-driven treatment philosophy for major adult psychiatric disorders treated in the Texas public mental health sector. Improve the quality of care and achieve the best possible patient outcomes for each dollar of resource spent.
Presenter: Chuck Hunter, Administrator of the Montana Health Resources Division, presents: Update on the PDL and Mental Health Care in Montana.
• The newest information on preferred drug lists and time for questions.
Please plan to attend this important event. Mark your calendar today for September 24th!
To register, contact the MMHA office at 406-587-7774 or e-mail info@montanamentalhealth.org
$110 Million Projected Drug Costs!
Since 1996, the State of Montana Department of Health & Human Services (DPHHS) has seen an increase in prescription expenditures from $30 million in FY1996, to a projected expense of over $110 million in FY2006. In response to the rising costs, the DPHHS has implemented many cost control mechanisms including the Drug Utilization Review (1992), Mandatory Generic Substitutions (July 2001), Cost Sharing (August 2002), Pharmacy Case Management (2003) and Pharmacy Audits planned for August 2004. Unfortunately, costs continue to climb. The DPHHS is now working towards the implementation of a Preferred Drug List (PDL). The goal of the PDL is to provide the best possible mix of effective treatment and fiscal management.
- Preferred Drug List presentation to Mental Health Oversight & Advisory Council, July 2004
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
“I am a 29 year-old male professional in the financial industry with a relatively demanding career requiring constant travel. Involvement in several side business projects created additional responsibilities. Last year I noticed that something felt wrong with me. At first I attributed my symptoms to my high-stress lifestyle and assumed I would feel better with relaxation. However, even when I had whole weekends to relax, I couldn’t. Nervous most of the time, I felt inadequate and uncomfortable in social situations (not normal for me). I gained an unwarranted fear of public speaking, and experienced a panic attack during a work presentation. I had trouble concentrating and making decisions. “Running short of time” was a constant feeling - the “To Do” list would never be accomplished. And there were physical symptoms too, like tightness or uneasiness in my chest and stomach, nausea, and shivering and feeling cold even in a warm room.
Concerned I had a medical problem, I made an appointment with my MD and learned Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) likely caused my symptoms. He prescribed medication to minimize the symptoms. In the first few days, I had very vivid dreams, waking during the night, coupled with strange anxiety attacks (almost like hearing myself think out loud). My dosage needed to be lowered to ward off tiredness, but symptoms were held in check and my life became more enjoyable within two weeks. It’s been about six months now, and the symptoms have not returned. My doctor says that taking the medication is like holding a “reset switch” and often after several months you can stop taking it altogether. I am very grateful for the prompt diagnosis and treatment by my MD .”
--A MMHA Bulletin Reader
Approximately 4 million Americans - 2.8% of adults ages 18 to 54 – suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Much more that the normal anxiety experienced day-to-day, GAD fills your day with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there may be little or nothing to provoke it. Getting through each day provokes anxiety. Expecting the worst, anticipating disaster, excessive worry about health, money, family and work color most days. The source of worry may even be hard to pinpoint but the feeling of dread persists. Knowing that anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants does not stop the worry. GAD comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age. Twice as many women are affected as men. Some research suggests that GAD may run in families, evidence that genes play a modest role in GAD and may also grow worse during stress.
If you suffer with mild generalized anxiety disorder you may be able to function well in social settings or work but severe GAD may be very debilitating, making it difficult to carry out even the most ordinary daily activities. Commonly treated with medications, and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy, GAD rarely occurs alone and is usually accompanied by another anxiety disorder, depression, or substance abuse. These other conditions must be treated along with GAD.
Effective treatments for anxiety disorders are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.
If you think you have an anxiety disorder, seek information and treatment.
Source: Anxiety Disorders Department of Health & Human Services, NIH Publication No. 00-3879, 2000
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, DSM IV, pages 432-433
Criteria A: General Anxiety is excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for a period of a least six months, about a number of events or activities.
Criteria B: The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
Criteria C: The anxiety and worry are accompanied by at least three additional symptoms from a list that includes restlessness, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and disturbed sleep (only one additional symptom is required for children).
Physical symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle tension/aches
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trembling/twitching
• Irritability
• Sweating/hot flashes
• Light headed
• Out of breath
• Nausea
• Need to use the bathroom frequently
• Unable to relax
• Easily startled
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty falling/staying asleep
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