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Mental health reform
Fog-clearing attempt…
As we advocate for such a diverse population here at WisdomWithin, we endeavor to remain apolitical.
That clear:
During recent peer discussion about fears and concerns raised by reported pronouncements and legislative upheavals here in America, questions arose that we are not qualified to answer.
So, legal friends, for the benefit of those of us who are willing to ask questions but are not necessarily sure where to go after a certain point, I offer the following query, as I have emailed to my elected officials (with resources):
Are we to understand from the following, that everything the new president has signed thus far, are executive actions, not executive orders? Therefore, basically, wishful thinking?
All help appreciated.
Resources:
PBS.org (Listing all to date)
AND:
uspolitics.about.com:
Executive Actions Versus Executive Orders
Executive actions are any informal proposals or moves by the president. The term executive action itself is vague and can be used to describe almost anything the president calls on Congress or his administration to do. But many executive actions carry no legal weight. Those that do actually set policy can be invalidated by the courts or undone by legislation passed by Congress.
The terms executive action and executive order are not interchangeable. Executive orders are legally binding and published in the Federal Register, though they also can be reversed by the courts and Congress.
When Executive Actions Are Used Instead of Executive Orders
Presidents favor the use of nonbinding executive actions when the issue is controversial or sensitive. For example, Obama carefully weighed his use of executive actions on gun violence and decided against issuing legal mandates via executive orders, which would have gone against the legislative intent of Congress and risked enraging lawmakers of both parties.
Executive Actions Versus Executive Memoranda
Executive actions are also different from executive memoranda. Executive memoranda are similar to executive orders in that they carry legal weight allowing the president to direct government officials and agencies. But executive memoranda are typically not published in the Federal Register unless the president determines the rules have “general applicability and legal effect.”
Use of Executive Actions by Other Presidents
Obama was the first modern president to use executive actions in lieu of executive orders or executive memoranda.
Criticism of Executive Actions
Critics described Obama’s use of executive actions as an overreach of his presidential powers and an unconstitutional attempt to bypass the legislative branch of government, even though the most substantial of the executive actions carried no legal weight.
Some conservatives described Obama as a “dictator” or “tyrant” and said he was acting “imperial.”
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida who is considered a potential presidential candidate in the 2016 election, said Obama was “abusing his power by imposing his policies via executive fiat instead of allowing them to be debated in Congress.”
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus called Obama’s use of executive actions as an “executive power grab.” Said Priebus: “He paid lip service to our fundamental constitutional rights, but took actions that disregard the 2nd Amendment and the legislative process. Representative government is meant to give voice to the people; President Obama’s unilateral executive action ignores this principle.”
But even the Obama White House acknowledged that most of the executive actions carried no legal weight. Here’s what the administration said at the time the 23 executive actions were proposed: “While President Obama will sign 23 Executive Actions today that will help keep our kids safe, he was clear that he cannot and should not act alone: The most important changes depend on Congressional action.” (Uspolitics.about.com)
Call In Day, Tues., 1/17
Call-in Day, 1/17! Protect mental health care!
Click here for more info: It’s Your Call!
Include your voice into the conversation to protect mental health. Call Congress Tuesday. Make your voice heard.
Call your members of Congress, and ask them to protect Medicaid and insurance safeguards that help millions of Americans get mental health care.
Call (202) 224-3121, Press #2 And Enter Your Zip Code.
Not sure how to word it? Basics, Sample, Simple & to the point:
“As a constituent, I would like the Representative to protect people with mental illness who can’t afford to lose health coverage. Please preserve Medicaid and insurance safeguards that help people get mental health care. Thank you.”
Want to do more? Call your Senators with the same message.
Call (202) 224-3121, Press #1 And Enter Your Zip Code.
Mental Health Care for All? It’s Your Call
NAMI.ORG
About….
Greetings from WisdomWithin!
Who the heck do I think I am, starting a little blog with such a potentially pretentious plaquard as “WisdomWithin”?
It’s been a long road, culminating this past year.
In 2016, I became a New York Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health, with a goal toward encouraging mental health awareness, promoting self-advocacy and wellness; even more idealistically, reducing stigma and improving quality of life for our demographic.
Understand, that 20- 25% of the population will live with a mental health condition during their life time. That’s 1 in 4-5 people. Everyone knows someone living with a mental health condition. We are actually a very large group. Most of us are completely harmless, and … surprise… we are very much able to recover!
That NYCPS certification, is a fancy way to say I have lived mental health experience, lived mental health SYSTEM experience, follow a strict code of ethics, am willing to disclose and share my journey in an effort to be of help to others like me, and those who know and love us. This certification requires a level of ongoing education and work in the field, either directly with peers, or in contribution to the overall mental health awareness, advocacy and wellness community.
My work to date in this field has been voluntary, and in attempting to help organizations develop mental health awareness and peer support programs. “There come a time”, though, dear readers, when DOING it, has to take place of just talking about it. Hence, WisdomWithin. Self-taught techie, unfunded, but dedicated, studied and on a mission. Your interest, commentary and support are invited. This is intended as a safe space & a judgement free zone.
Welcome to Wisdom Within!
Call-in Day, 1/17! Protect mental health care!
Click here for more info: It’s Your Call!
Include your voice into the conversation to protect mental health. Call Congress Tuesday. Make your voice heard.
Mental Health Care for All? It’s Your Call
Join our call-in day on Tuesday, Jan. 17 to safeguard mental health care.
NAMI.ORG
Too cool…
I’m sorry, Mr. President, I just emailed you earlier this afternoon to thank you and your family for your service, and for your support of the 21st Century Cares Act, bringing some real beginning steps to Mental Health Reform. (Not including that entire letter again here, lol.)
I cannot imagine you just sitting there, you know, chillin’, maybe catchin’ some games, kickin’ back with Uncle Joe… and all of a sudden, oh, another email from Kathy. What’s up girl? Then, just tapping a quick message back…
Be that the case…. or not … I am honored, Sir, from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Surline, NYCPS
Founder, WisdomWithin: Encouraging Mental Health Awareness, Wellness, Self-Advocacy and HOPE
A salute & a thank you…
Recieved via email 7.16.2016, in response to an online letter I had written to the President and First Lady, advocating for Mental Health Awareness, reform, education, reducing stigma, and more. I was beyond honored to receive a reply, and have written them again today, thanking him for his support of the 21st Century Cares Act, which does make some steps toward the diversity of work that needs to be done in mental health. I also wrote about this project. We’ve just started, and they are just changing chapters. With no political voice intended, and sincerely just as a fellow human and fellow citizen, In tribute to every positive thing accomplished and achieved during the work of the First Family these last eight years, I just share this, with respect…
The White House, Washington
Dear Kathleen:
Thank you for sharing your story. I have heard from many Americans whose lives have been affected by mental health problems, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts.
As you may be aware, in any given year one in five adults experiences a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress, and many others are troubled by significant emotional and psychological distress—especially in times of hardship or difficulty. They are our family members, friends, and neighbors, and I believe there are things we must all do to help. As a Nation, we can strive to eliminate the barriers that still keep people from accessing life-changing treatments. We can also make sure every person struggling with psychological and emotional pain knows that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—taking action is a sign of strength.
My Administration has worked hard to help increase mental health services and improve access to care. We are working with community health centers to expand the availability of behavioral and mental health services across the country, including in rural areas. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, over 60 million Americans now have expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits and parity protections. This law also prohibits insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions like a diagnosis of mental illness, and it requires most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays. Additionally, as part of the BRAIN initiative, we are supporting innovative research that aims to revolutionize our understanding of how the brain works and uncover new ways to address conditions like depression.
We continue to support our troops and veterans. I signed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act on February 12, 2015, which authorized additional steps to address mental health and prevent suicide. The year before, I announced 19 Executive actions that make it easier for members of our Armed Forces and veterans to access the care they need, when they need it—including a new policy that will ensure the continuity of medication for mental health problems as service members transition to care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA has also worked to increase mental health staffing, enhance community partnerships, and expand the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line.
To learn more about mental health assistance and health care reform, please visit http://www.MentalHealth.gov or http://www.HealthCare.gov. Calling 1-800-662-HELP is also a free, confidential way to receive a treatment referral or further information.
Again, thank you for writing. Michelle and I—like so many Americans—have known people who have experienced mental health problems, and we understand the effects these illnesses have on their lives and on their families. We must continue to work toward better prevention and treatment, and as caring individuals, we must do what we can to ensure those with mental health issues get the care and support they need and deserve.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Visit WhiteHouse.gov
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Thursday Quick Q&A…
New feature: Thursday Quick Q&A – taking questions rather broad in scope and providing answers in easy to read summary. For example, see below regarding the recently enacted mental health reform law. Join WW and play along!
TODAY’S Q&A
What does the new Mental Health Reform law actually address with regard to mental health?
The 21st Century Cures Act strengthens mental health parity laws, requiring insurance companies to cover mental health treatments to the same extent, and in the same way, as medical (physical health) treatments. In addition, the Act includes grants to provide community mental health resources, suicide prevention and intervention programs, and de-escalation training for law enforcement. The bill also provides five-year grants for a demonstration program in which psychiatry residents and other mental health clinicians will practice in underserved areas. Further benefits of the new law bring millions to research on brain disease and other vital work.
WisdomWithin 