Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'Out Of The Shadows': For Kasich, Mental Health Issues Hit Close To Home
The New York Times: A Brother’s Mental Illness Influenced John Kasich’s Views
Gov. John Kasich often speaks about mental health in his campaign for president. He has defended his decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio by highlighting its benefits for mentally ill residents. He is probably the only Republican candidate this year to ask a crowd, “Do you know what it’s like for somebody to live with depression?” The question, posed at a rally in upstate New York recently, threw a hush over a room of 1,000 people. Mr. Kasich went on: “There are people here who know exactly what I’m talking about.” (Gabriel, 4/25)
Media outlets also offer coverage of mental health issues out of the Iowa, New Mexico and North Carolina —
The Associated Press: Mental Health Providers Say Iowa Needs More Prescribers
A bill pending in the Iowa House would allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe medication to mentally ill people in hopes of alleviating a shortage of treatment options, but the proposal has run into opposition from some of the state’s psychiatrists. (Vujicic, 4/25)
The Associated Press: More People Accessing Mental Health Services In New Mexico
The number of New Mexicans accessing behavioral health services through government-funded programs has increased nearly 5 percent within a year's time, adding to a surge that began with the expansion of the state's Medicaid program. (Bryan, 4/25)
North Carolina Health News: NC Mental Health Agencies Announce Workforce Development Collaborative
Three of North Carolina’s Medicaid mental health organizations announced last week that they’ll be jointly launching a workforce-development initiative to offer training resources to frontline professionals who provide services to people with disabilities. (Sisk, 4/26)
