RUSHVILLE —

Dear Editor: We have come to a time of great change in mental health, which has admittedly created some apprehension and fear; but it is in fact a very exciting time, as we must now move our system of mental health into the future. It is estimated that 23 percent of all American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year, and one out of every five young persons suffers from some form of emotional disturbance. Mental illness impacts all of us in one way or another whether we are a consumer, family member, or friend of a person with a mental illness or addictive disorder. Often persons with mental illness self-medicate in an attempt to cope with the symptoms of their illness, becoming addicted to substances including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Hoosiers aged 18 to 25 have the highest rates of prescription drug abuse (16 percent, which is higher than the national average of 12 percent). Adults in Indiana report alcohol abuse and dependence at rates similar to the national average (7 percent), but the most effected age group is 18 to 25 year olds with 17 percent reporting alcohol abuse or dependence. Rates of smoking are two to four times higher in persons with mental illness and addictive disorders than the general population – and some estimates are as high as 75 percent. These numbers paint a grim view of reality. We know that treatment works so why don’t people get help? People do not actively seek treatment for many reasons, and when they do, it is often unavailable because their insurance will not pay for it. Even though the recently passed parity law is a huge step forward, we have a long way to go before all insurance companies believe that treatment works and recovery is possible. And that is the goal – that everyone with a mental illness or addictive disorder has the help they need to live fully in recovery. Transforming our system has not been, and will not be, quick nor easy, but it will create recovery for our consumers -- as well as opportunities for providers and policy makers. The possibility of recovery should increase the demand for key community-based services that we know will work, such as peer support and mentoring programs. A successful system must be accountable, organized, efficient, accessible, and equitable using evidence based programs and policies. The Governor, through FSSA and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, has commissioned a Transformation Working Group with a charge to change the current system focus to consumer recovery. This new direction will change the way we provide services and how those services are paid for, whether they are in the community or in a state hospital. The state has recently changed its methodology for payment for community services, in a way that is consistent with this new direction; and further, it has provided a plan for state hospitals that will promote the provision of services in the least restrictive setting possible. Through participation from consumers, providers, family members, government officials, mental health professionals, and academics, a transformation work plan has been developed that will create a social norm of acceptance and recovery, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and addictive disorders. Recovery from mental illness and addictive disorders is a journey of healing and personal transformation, enabling people to live their life to the fullest potential in a community of their choice. We have before us the opportunity to help make that happen. Stephen C. McCaffrey President and Chief Executive Officer Mental Health America of Indiana