Montana Legislature

Earlier this weekend I sent many of you the NAMI E-Advocate Newsletter. The emphasis of NAMI National this year is to maintain funding for state mental illness treatment budgets. Massive cuts to mental illness treatment budgets are occurring nationwide and we may be just beginning to feel the effects here in Montana. Interim Legislative Committees are sounding like there will be limited funding during the 2010 Legislative Session. Last week is was rumored there is currently a $250 million budget shortfall. And to rub salt in the wounds, last Monday the Health Care & Benefits Division of the Department of Administration sent out a letter informing state employees that the State of Montana has elected to exempt the Employee Group Benefit Plan from the following requirement; Parity in the application of certain benefits to mental health.

Individuals suffering from severe mental illness continue to be throw-away citizens. Even though 1 in 17, or 6%, of our population suffer from severe mental illness and the expected life span of those who suffer from severe mental illness is 25 years less than the average citizen, our society continues to greatly discriminate against this population. Until the 20% of the Montana families who have a family member who suffers from severe mental illness can convince the other 80% of families who don't have a family member who suffers from severe mental illness, our family members will continue to suffer.

Even if there is a budget shortfall we must continue to advocate to maintain these necessary services. The recent suicide at the Montana State Prison demonstrates what happens when an individual is unable to access needed mental illness treatment services. We must find ways to make improvements in the system even if there is not new funding. And, it can be done.

Dr. Gary Mihelish