President's New Freedom
Commission on Mental Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mark Weber
September 27, 2002 Phone: 301-443-8956

MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION FOCUSES ON OLDER AMERICANS AND REPORT FOR PRESIDENT

President Bush's "New Freedom Commission on Mental Health" will hold its fifth meeting October 2-4, 2002. This meeting will focus on the Commission's interim report to the President. The interim report, due at the end of October, will describe the extent of unmet needs and barriers to care within the mental health system. It also will provide examples of community-based, model, mental health programs. In addition, the Commission will hear presentations on the mental health needs and concerns of older adults.

The Commission is charged with conducting a comprehensive study of the United States mental health service delivery system, and advising the President on methods of improving the system. The Commission, consisting of 15 members appointed by the President and seven ex-officio members, is chaired by Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D., Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health.


WHO:

The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health

WHEN:

Wednesday, October 2 - 4:30 to 6 p.m. EST

• Presentation on "Older Adults and Mental Health,"
  Dr. Stephen Bartels, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, New Hampshire
  Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Dartmouth Medical School
  

Thursday, October 3 - 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. EST

• Panel presentation: representatives of three organizations specializing in the mental health needs of older adults
  

Thursday, October 3 - 3 to 5 p.m. EST

• · Work Session: Interim Report
  

Friday, October 4 - 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. EST

• Public Comment period

Friday, October 4 - 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST

• Work Session: Subcommittee Reports
  

WHERE:

Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
The phone number for the hotel is (703) 920-3230.

Please see website for more details: www.MentalHealthCommission.gov