Mental health policy and infrastructure is rarely considered the purview of local public health authorities. Yet, building on the recent Surgeon General's report on mental health, it is the responsibility of these jurisdictions to address both physical and mental health concerns of the population. Boston has begun a unique approach to assessment, assurance, and policy development in the area of child and adolescent mental health. With the hiring of core staff and the receipt of a federally funded initiative, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has spearheaded a broad-based coalition of parents, providers, school personnel, state agencies, youth and community based agencies whose focus is mental health promotion, violence and substance abuse prevention among children and adolescents. The goals of the coalition include: improved surveillance of mental health issues including suicide and emergency psychiatric evaluations, legislation to improve reimbursement, a public relations campaign to address stigma, and the translation of research into practice with regard to preventive "best practices". To date, the response has been overwhelming with over 50 coalition members participating. The coalition's success is marked by submission of legislation, an ever-expanding set of partners, and an upcoming summit and symposium which will address the issues. In addition, the coalition will help shape the future role of the BPHC in mental health. This presentation will focus on the development of the coalition and its' successes to date. This framework for mobilizing community interest will assist other public health entities in moving the mental health/public health agenda forward.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session the participant will: 1. Be able to define appropriate goals for a coalition focused on child and adolescent mental health promotion 2. Be able to develop his or her own plans for a focus on mental health in his/her own community. 3. Be able to describe a process for community input in developing public health infrastructure
Keywords: Mental Health, Coalition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.