Health care reform and rural mental health: Severe mental illness

Abstract

Service needs of rural severely mentally ill and strengths of rural communities are addressed. Health care reform policy development at present appears to neglect the seriously mentally ill in general and rural services specifically. Examples of strategies to meet the needs for health care, psychiatric treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation and appropriate housing are described. The advantages and drawbacks of such efforts are considered.

Ethical Considerations in Rural Health Care: A Pilot Study of Clinicians in Alaska and New Mexico

“…This fits with the observation that the culture of rural life differs from urban life (Conger & Elder, 1994), in part, perhaps, due to stronger bonds among people through family, church, and community relationships. These "natural supports" are believed to be great strengths in the rural community (Kane & Ennis, 1996). However, given our findings, the possibility that overlapping roles are experienced differently by clinicians and by patients deserves further inquiry.…”

From the Guest Editors - Rural America: A Call for Nurses to Address Mental Health Issues

“…Although some of these characteristics may be barriers, such as the high degree of tolerance for abnormal behavior and the distrust of outsiders, they may also be perceived as strengths that can play an integral role in developing a service delivery model for mental health care (Bjorklund & Pippard, 1999;Kane & Ennis, 1996). Understanding the Gemeinschaft characteristics of their local communities enables nurses to perceive barriers as community assets or strengths.…”

“…Van Hook and Ford (1998) advocated for an "interorganizationa l linkage model" between mental health care and general health care to increase "access and coordination" and to promote a "more holistic sense of health care" (p. 53). Kane and Ennis (1996) agreed that mental health and primary care should be joined to improve access. If both services were in one location, perhaps there would be less stigma associated with mental health care.…”

“…A new model for mental health care delivery must be developed that is sensitive to the cultural mores of the community, while addressing the needs of the local population . Often overlooked by health professionals, natural support systems are inherent resources that can be integrated into an interdisciplinar y care network (Kane & Ennis, 1996). Faith-based mental health services, integrated into a holistic system of care, could build upon a community's strengths.…”

Diabetes Diagnosis is related to Anxiety Among Mexican Americans But Not non-Hispanic Adults: A Project FRONTER study

“…Specifically, there are fewer physicians in such areas, and chronic conditions such as diabetes are more prevalent [10]. Individuals residing in rural communities are also at risk for psychological disorders diagnoses [11]. Therefore, it is important for practitioners in rural communities to be aware of the comorbidities between medical and psychological conditions to better serve their patients.…”