Legislative

The three federal government agencies principally responsible for implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act law are issuing a request in the Federal Register seeking information and advice from the public addressing critical issues surrounding the best ways to implement the law and fulfill its objectives. The Federal Register announcement can be accessed by clicking here. (PDF file)

Issues & Events

To stay informed about the latest Swine Influenza news visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Swine Flu website by clicking here. The CDC also has specific guidance for Clinicians and Public Health Professionals here.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding of mentoring grants to nonprofit organizations under the Second Chance Act. This program furthers the Department's commitment to providing services and programs to facilitate inmates' successful reintegration into society. These grants are to provide mentoring and other transitional services that increase success in reentry and reduce recidivism, including housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and post-release case management. Applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes. All applications are due by 8:00 p.m. ET on May 21, 2009. Click here for more information.

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an initiative to help ensure the safe use of methadone. The campaign responds to concerns about an escalating number of poisoning deaths linked to the improper use of this medication. The public outreach effort, Follow Directions: How to Use Methadone Safely, is designed to inform consumers, health care professionals and treatment clinics about the safe use and misuse of the drug for both pain relief and drug addiction treatment. Full Story

The American Red Cross has appointed Sharon A. R. Stanley, PhD, RN, RS, Chief Nurse and Director of Disaster Health and Disaster Mental Health. As Chief Nurse, Stanley supports the involvement of the more than 30,000 nurses who serve throughout the organization as Red Cross volunteers and employees. She also is the Red Cross nursing liaison with professional organizations, nursing schools and governmental health care agencies. Full Story

Policy

New research has identified significant rates of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other compelling needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Based on the data, the Center for Public Policy & Social Research (CPPSR) has recommended fresh strategies to help veterans readjust to civilian life, and hopes to share its new research model with other VA departments nationwide. Some of the key findings include: almost 22% of veterans screening positive for PTSD; nearly 20% reporting difficulty in relating to their civilian friends; and over 10% reporting difficulty in connecting emotionally with family members. Additionally, veterans most in need of support are the least likely to seek it out, reported BHC Journal. Full Story

Person-centered healthcare homes are critical to address significant health disparities for people with serious mental illnesses, according to a new report released by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council). The report, Behavioral Health/Primary Care Integration and the Person-Centered Healthcare Home, calls for creating a medical home for people with serious mental illnesses by introducing general healthcare capacity within mental health organizations, or by nurturing seamless partnerships between mental health and primary care providers. Full Story Full Report

APNA Highlights

APNA Announces the 2009 APNA-Janssen Student Scholarship Application!
Undergraduate nursing students who show an interest in psychiatric mental health nursing and Graduate students enrolled in a program leading to a Masters or Doctorate in Nursing with an emphasis in psychiatric/mental health nursing are invited to apply. Deans and Directors of nursing schools are also invited to nominate one or more of their students for the scholarship. Applications are to be submitted via email by June 1, 2009 to lnguyen@apna.org.

The APNA-Janssen Student Scholarship Program includes registration, travel and lodging expenses to attend the APNA 23rd Annual Conference, October 7-10, 2009, in Charleston, South Carolina. A stipend for meals and expenses is also provided. In addition, winners will receive one year complimentary membership in the APNA.

Click here to download the 2009 APNA-Janssen Scholarship Application! Please note: There is one application for both the Graduate and Undergraduate applicants/nominees. Certain sections/pages are indicated as being for GRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE applicants only. Please be sure to fill out the correct sections/pages.

Highlight on Genetics Programming
APNA 7th Annual CPI Conference, June 26-28, 2009, Reston, VA

Case Study
BH is a 25 year old female with concerns about her family history of mental illness. Her brother has been on and off several different medications for bipolar disorder. She doesn't want to go through the same struggles as her brother. She Googled "genetic testing for
mental illness" and found there is a DNA test to determine if she has the gene for mental illness. BH asks her nurse practitioner to order the test.

Do you know enough to be able to help BH?
Come learn more about the role genetics plays in the care you provide.

Friday 6/26, 7:30 - 9:00am
Nursing Genomics Competencies - Jean F. Jenkins, RN, PhD, FAAN

Friday 6/26, 9:15 - 10:45am
Pharmacogenetics and Clinical Application - Cynthia Prows, MSN, RN

Friday, 6/26, 11:45am - 1:15pm
Keynote: Neurobiological and Genetic Mechanisms of Schizophrenia - Daniel R. Weinberger, MD

REGISTER FOR CPI EARLY AND SAVE