ESTABLISHING MENTAL-HEALTH PRIORITIES

Mental health.policy has evolved haphazardly, reflecting fragmentation of authority, competing ideologies, limitations of current knowledge and technologies, and changes in entitlements and insurance associated with health and welfare programs. While seeking parity with general h ealth services, the mental health sector requires as well a range of h ealth and social services that extends well beyond acute care, particu larly for those with severe and persistent illness. Despite recent adv ances in articulating health, disability, and social services programs , much remains undone. The stigma of mental illness affects both inter governmental cooperation and public response. Health reform provides a n opportunity to address neglected areas and to build a closer connect ion with general health services. New coalitions of advocates for the mentally ill, the elderly, and persons with disabilities could constru ct a coherent long-term-treatment orientation that would benefit all.