Key Mental Health and Substance Abuse Organizations Merge

Excellent comments about the importance of primary care being at the center of caring for the whole person. This merger, if implemented effectively, could be a small step in the right direction. It's important to break down the silos where you can and get your own house in order as you reach out to the broader health world. Thank you for your astute remarks.  Elizabeth 

Now if they would have only invited Primary Care to the table. Mental (Behavioral) Health, Substance Abuse (Addictions), Physical Therapy/Exercise Physiology/Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, Pain Therapy - these are all what I call "Primary Care Specialties." They belong at least virtually connected, if not on site, to the person's Primary Care Medical Home to be accessed same day when the need arises rather than referred to weeks (or months) later. This is how we will end suicide and provide prevention health services, lower costs and promote health, rather than treating sickness in our society. It's all about being Person-centered and 'Family'-focused, rather than setting up processes based on our business ('the tail wagging the dog'). But the trusted relationship and holistic utilization of healthcare resources begins and ends with an integrated and resourced (to include training) Primary Care Team. Problem is - how many of us have continuity with such a Team, especially the homeless and those with addictions? Having "insurance" certainly doesn't guarantee great health care in this country. That said, we all must ask "Where/Who is your Primary Care Home?" and then connect ourselves to that center, to begin with the end in mind. If the new client doesn't know what this means, then we all must help them get connected, whether it be a free clinic or non-profit or through a new job opportunity. Let's remove the silos, folks, all of them! Share our resources! Great start with this meeting!!