Failures of Alaska’s mental health services are a call to action

I was alarmed at the devastating report on Alaska Psychiatric Institute recently referenced in the ADN. So, what is going to be done — not only about API, but the whole mental health system? Do we have a system?

I would challenge us all, both stakeholders and those in positions of leadership. Is it possible for gubernatorial candidates, those running or serving in the Legislature, mental health agencies and organizations, those living with mental health challenges and their families to come together, to get out of our silos, and build a high quality comprehensive, integrated mental health system for Alaska?

Let's not just focus on API; the problem is much bigger and more complex than this one hospital. Let us use this disturbing news regarding API as a springboard to make significant changes to better serve all Alaskans living with mental illness.

I encourage you to look at the grades given to Alaska on the Treatment Advocacy Center website. In this report for 2017, Alaska received a "D" on state laws as it relates to inpatient and outpatient commitment. In the October 3 Parity Report released by the Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity on how Alaska statutes measure up, we received 43 points out of 100. The statistics reported for our state:

One in six adults have a mental illness.

One in seven adults with a mental illness are uninsured.

One in 12 youths have a mental illness.

One in 13 youths have private insurance that does not cover mental illness.

The Kennedy-Satcher analysis of the Alaska statutes suggested some areas for further consideration, to include how mental health and addition conditions are defined, and covered, and how parity law compliance is monitored and enforced.

We have some work to do!

I believe the best leadership organization to bring us together to start this process is the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The mission of the Trust states "It is the duty of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to provide leadership in the advocacy, planning, implementing and funding of services and programs for Trust beneficiaries."

Shirley J. Holloway, Ph.D., serves as vice president for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Alaska. She is second vice president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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