Advocacy E-News November 14, 2014
November 14, 2014
CODEY SEES DISPARITY IN HOW MENTAL ILLNESS SUFFERERS TREATED
Sen. Richard Codey, (D-27), Roseland, said today there seems to be major differences between the types of facilities offered to people suffering from developmental disabilities and those for people suffering from mental illness.
Codey said he has visited mental health facilities and said many of the individuals suffering from mental illness wind up in “hellholes.”
On a positive note, though, the long-time lawmaker said he has seen some perception changes regarding group homes over the years.
RISK MODEL SEEN AS REDUCING MILITARY SUICIDES
Military doctors could reduce suicides among soldiers with psychiatric conditions by using a new screening system that flags those at highest risk of taking their own lives, a new study suggests. The system — a computer program that rates more than 20 actuarial factors, including age at enlistment, history of violence and prescription drug use — would be the most rigorous suicide prediction model available, if it performs as expected in real-world settings.
MENTAL ILLNESS MEDS ARE AMONG THE MOST WIDELY PRESCRIBED IN NJ
Drugs to treat mental illness, high cholesterol and diabetes are the most widely prescribed medications in New Jersey, according to the state Prescription Drug Price Registry, which allows the public to search zip codes to locate the pharmacies offering the best deals. The prices are compiled from the most recent claims submitted by licensed New Jersey pharmacies to the state Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
11TH-HOUR APPEAL AIMS TO STOP GREYSTONE’S DEMOLITION
A group dedicated to preserving the historic main building at the old Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital is pursuing legal action to prevent the building’s demolition. Preserve Greystone has filed an appeal in the state’s appellate division seeking a review of the Treasury Department’s Aug. 11 award of a $34.5 million contract to demolish the main Kirkbride Building and other structures. Meanwhile, state officials said the demolition of the Kirkbride Building is scheduled to start on April 6.