Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
September 27, 2002, Vol. 02-67

MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION FOCUSES ON OLDER AMERICANS AND REPORT FOR PRESIDENT

President Bush's "New Freedom Commission on Mental Health" will hold its fifth meeting October 2-4, 2002. This meeting will focus on the Commission's interim report to the President. The interim report, due at the end of October, will describe the extent of unmet needs and barriers to care within the mental health system. It also will provide examples of community-based, model, mental health programs. In addition, the Commission will hear presentations on the mental health needs and concerns of older adults.

The Commission is charged with conducting a comprehensive study of the United States mental health service delivery system, and advising the President on methods of improving the system. The Commission, consisting of 15 members appointed by the President and seven ex-officio members, is chaired by Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D., Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health.

WHO: The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health

WHEN: Wednesday, October 2 - 4:30 to 6 p.m. EST
Presentation on "Older Adults and Mental Health," Dr. Stephen Bartels, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, New Hampshire Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Dartmouth Medical School

Thursday, October 3 - 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. EST.
Panel presentation: representatives of three organizations specializing in the mental health needs of older adults

Thursday, October 3 - 3 to 5 p.m. EST
Work Session: Interim Report

Friday, October 4 - 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. EST
Public Comment period

Friday, October 4 - 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
Work Session: Subcommittee Reports

WHERE: Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
The phone number for the hotel is (703) 920-3230.

Please see website for agenda and background information: www.MentalHealthCommission.gov