Policy Issues & Resources: Collaborative Care

Despite advances in the science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both medical and mental conditions, individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) served in public systems are dying 25 years earlier than the general population. Although individuals with SMI have higher suicide and accident rates, about 3 out of 5 die from mostly preventable diseases. Common causes of death among this population include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS) due to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and inadequate medical care.  The FY 2010 budget included $14 million for grants for integrated care projects.

Through legislative advocacy and practice improvement initiatives, the National Council consistently seeks ways to improve the collaboration of behavioral health and primary care services in communities throughout the country.  For more information, visit the National Council Resource Center on Primary Care Behavioral Health Collaboration.

Recent News  I   Fact Sheets   I  Official Letters  I  State Activities  I
Additional Resources  I

Recent News 

• Secretary Sebelius Delivers Remarks on Integration of Mental and Physical Health Services at National Council Member Organization
• Congress Sends Omnibus Appropriations Bill to President Obama; Includes $14 million for Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Co-location Grants
• Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Increase in Funding for SAPT Block Grant and Integration Grants as Bill Moves to Senate Floor
   

Fact Sheets

• Support increased funding for primary care and behavioral health integration
• Mentally Ill die 25 years younger on average
• An avoidable tragedy — the relationship of premature death and serious mental illness
• Medical homes and people with mental illness
   

Official Letters

• Letter to HRSA on Primary Care-Behavioral Health Collaboration September 2007

State Activities

• The National Association of State Health Policy brought their state leaders together to identify the most critical issues state health policy officials expect to face over the next several years. PCBH integration efforts and providing high-quality and effective services for populations with complex needs were identified as priorities for states.
• Washington State passed legislation to amend their state privacy law in support of primary and behavioral health collaboration.
• Integration — California Primary Care, Mental Health, and Substance Use Services Integration Policy Initiative
• Medical homes — a new definition from Colorado
• Medical homes — the Vermont pilot
   

Additional Resources

• AHRQ Report Describes Integrated Care Models Used in the U.S., October 2008
• Hogg Foundation Resource Guide on Integrated Healthcare in Texas and the U.S., December 2008
• American Heart Association Recommends Physicians Screen Heart Patients for Depression, November 2008