National Alliance on Mental Illness
page printed from http://www.nami.org/
(800) 950-NAMI; info@nami.org
©2013

Grading the States 2009 Report Card: Pennsylvania

In 2006, the state received a D grade. Three years later, it has received a C, which represents progress, although not a standard of excellence. Now the challenge is to build on that momentum. Full narrative (PDF).

Grades by Category Detailed Score Card (PDF)

Health Promotion and Measurement: D 25% of Total Grade
Basic measures, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices, emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.
Financing & Core Treatment/Recovery Services: C 45% of Total Grade
A variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.
Consumer & Family Empowerment: C 15% of Total Grade
Includes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.
Community Integration and Social Inclusion: D 15% of Total Grade
Includes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.

Innovations

National leader in reducing use of seclusion and restraints
Consumer and family satisfaction teams in the counties
Implementation of ACT, IDDT, and other evidence-based practices

Urgent Needs

Adequate mix of hospital and community services
Expand mental health courts and jail diversion programs statewide
Statewide police Crisis Intervention Teams

Additional Information and Resources

Full Narrative (PDF) | Detailed Score Card (PDF) | Full Report | Order Hard Copy

NAMI Pennsylvania: Connect with the NAMI nearest you.

Grading the States Online Discussion: Share your comments, reactions, personal stories, and ideas around NAMI's report on the state of America's health care system for serious mental illness.

Grading the States 2006 Report Card: Pennsylvania

"At my center, there is generally a one- to two-month wait between the intake interview and the initial meeting with the psychiatrist, and a month can be a long wait when you’re really struggling."

Back