Sen. Edward Kennedy has drawn much criticism in his long life, but few debate his skills as a senator - particularly his ability to bring opposing sides together to pass critical legislation.
And no one, it appears, argues with commitment toward making a difference in legislation - even as he suffers from brain cancer - that would help people with mental illness.
Debra L. Wentz, head of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Inc. noted that Kennedy has continued his lifelong commitment to protecting the health and well-being of seniors and disabled citizens by rallying to block Medicare fee cuts and to push for a mental health parity bill.
Congress recently passed the latter bill, which awaits President Bush’s signature by the end of this month.
Wentz said these efforts are a fitting testament to the impact Kennedy has had on health and mental health care throughout his life.
"We will be hard pressed to find another advocate who is equally skilled at garnering bipartisan support for vulnerable populations, as well as the elderly,” she said.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Suffering from cancer, but still a force
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It is useful to consider the deeds of Senator Kennedy in light of the mere words of one who by virtue of his prominent position could have provided leadership in the area of mental health, "Our country must make a commitment: Americans with mental illness deserve our understanding, and they deserve excellent care. They deserve a health care system that treats their illness with the same urgency as a physical illness." The speaker was none other than President George Bush when announcing his New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in April 2002.
Perhaps, George Bush forgot what he said or didn't mean what he said or didn't care what he said but for many of us the words meant so much. It was supposedlythe Era of Compassionate Conservatism and maybe he was evidencing it. Of course, we shouldn't have been surprised that his interest in mental health was so brief. Texas has historically been in the bottom ten percent of per capita public mental health spending. (It is also worth noting that when final report of his commission was released it didn't include a Rose Garden announcement by the President.)
Sadly, more than six years later we are left with little more than the mental health system his commission found, "Our review for this interim report leads us to the united belief that America's mental health service delivery system is in shambles." Perhaps, persons needing mental health services can rise above and achieve the outcomes we would not normally associate with a system in shambles. If not, they have the cold comfort of George Bush's words.
Sen. Edward Kennedy you are very brave person that you are suffering from brain cancer and still you are fit. I am very glade to know about you.
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Jecika
Addiction Recovery New Jersey
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