MENDED #6
Oklahoma is top 5 in the nation for a high prevalence of mental illness and low access to care. We're here to see that things get mended.
📺 Did you see our commercial?
The Alliance has a special message for anyone suffering from mental illness. Check out our new commercial airing on KOCO-TV.
😵 OK Policy Institute Calls Deal on Medicaid Elusive.
“…A deal on Medicaid managed care has been more elusive. It appears at this point Senate Bill 131 that would shift managed care from private insurance companies to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority will not get a hearing in the Senate as written. Legislators are drafting “guardrails” language to insert in either SB 131 or another bill to protect Medicaid providers like physicians and hospitals from feared abuses by the managed care organizations (MCOs).” Continue reading…
🤑 Privatized Managed Care: $904 Million Negative Economic Impact
Oklahoma could suffer a negative economic impact of $904 million if Medicaid is outsourced to insurance companies. In addition, the state could lose nearly 5,500 jobs and nearly $25 million local, county and state tax revenue. Read the study now.
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All Alliance members have active Facebook communities. Consider joining one or all of them to keep up with their latest services, activities, and events.
🙏🏽 Stop Shaming People With Mental Illness. Please and thank you.
You may also be interested in a post we published on the Mental Health Blog, Snap Out Of It: 7 Ways to Stop Stigmatizing Mental Illness.
👩💻 Mental Health Talks: Workforce Gaps & Opportunities
Healthy Minds Policy Initiative will host its first mental health educational workshop, on Friday, May 21. The event kicks off at 12 p.m. via Zoom and is free. Panelists include:
Dr. Daniel Duffy, Professor Emeritus Internal Medicine and Medical Informatics at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine
Dr. Jason Beaman, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Oklahoma State University - Tulsa Campus
Zack Stoycoff, Executive Director at Healthy Minds Policy Initiative
📑 Medicaid Expansion Is Here
The poorest and most vulnerable people in Oklahoma between the ages of 19 and 64 may now qualify for FREE medical and mental health coverage. The Oklahoma Policy Institute will host an event on Tuesday, May 25, to help organizations and individuals connect qualifying Oklahomans to care. Topics covered include what Medicaid covers and how to apply. Click here for more details.
🎬 An Important Name Change
“For too long, our nation has viewed substance use as a stigmatized, personal moral failing to be dealt with in private. But substance use, and substance use challenges, do not happen in isolation. Treatment and support services are best delivered at the intersection of mental health and substance use. “ Click here to continue reading about why the National Council for Behavioral Health is now the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
🔗 Connection Made
🧠 National Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week
🌪️ Emotional Stress Associated With Tornadoes
May 20 is the anniversary of the deadly 2013 tornado that killed 24 Oklahomans including seven children. Extreme weather events cause emotional stress and are linked to poor mental health. Read Managing Traumatic Stress: After a Tornado for steps you can take to help yourself and your family. For ways to copes with tragic anniversaries, read 5 Ways to Deal With Anniversary Reactions.
🎙️ Best Mental Health Podcasts of 2021
According to the Very Well Mind these are the top six mental health podcasts of 2021.
🦄 Final Thought: You Are Incomparable.
“Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable.” —Brenda Ueland, Teacher and Journalist (1891-1985)