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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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"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."
"Public mental health services provided a safety net for me when I had nothing."
"Consumers cannot recover and cannot reach their full potential without a place of their own."
