Issues & Events

Total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias than for other people age 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association's 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, released Mar. 24, 2009. Full Story

Treatment admissions for prescription pain killer misuse has risen dramatically over the past decade – from constituting 1% of all admissions in 1997 to now representing 5%, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2007 Highlights report also indicates that although alcohol-related admissions still account for the largest share (40%) of the 1.8 million treatment admissions occurring throughout the country during 2007, this reflects a reduction from 50% in 1997. Full Story

Results of a randomized trial confirm that strategies that include individually tailored behavioral interventions, specifically person-centered care and dementia-care mapping, reduce agitation among dementia patients living in residential settings vs usual care. Full Story

APNA Highlights

APNA NJ Chapter Election News
The results for the APNA New Jersey Board of Directors' election are now official. The nine members elected to the APNA NJ Board of Directors are in alphabetical order by first name:

Ben Evans has been elected APNA NJ Chapter President.

APNA NY Chapter Election News
We acknowledge all those who participated in the elections process and congratulate the newly elected Board of directors.

Linda Perez will serve as president and the board will select a Secretary and Treasurer for the next year. The new board will meet via conference call to continue the process to provide NYS members a local network for participation in APNA activities in support of PMHN.

7th Annual Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute
The 7th Annual Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute, June 26-28, 2009 in Reston, VA, will focus on complex clinical issues addressing the most current practices and insights on clinical psychopharmacology. CPI is appropriate for generalist and advanced practice psychiatric nurses - especially those who administer and/or prescribe medications. Recognizing that a person is more than a mental disorder, this institute addresses the interaction of neurobiological and genetic mechanisms, Axis I and II disorders and clinical syndromes, and current health care issues in recovery including transcultural care delivery. Complex health issues, polypharmacy, and recently approved medications will be addressed. Click here for more information.

Legislative

The Mental Health Liaison Group, of which APNA is a member, recently wrote Senator Richard Durbin in support of the Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act, important legislation that will assist colleges and universities in successfully addressing the growing mental health needs of campus communities. According to research done by Columbia University, almost one half of college age students suffer from mental health disorders, including addictions, but less than one in four are seeking treatment. Read the Letter. (PDF file)