For more information, contact:
Alina Pabin-Prusak / MPRO
(248) 465-7371 / apabin@mpro.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michigan Healthcare Providers Partner to Support National Depression Screening Day
Free Screening Sites Available to Michigan Residents October 5, 2006
(Farmington Hills, MI October 5, 2006) – Free, anonymous and confidential screening for depression will be available to Michigan residents on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at select locations across the state in support of National Depression Screening Day (NDSD). Residents can visit online at www.mentalhealthscreening.org to find participating screening locations. The Michigan InterPlan Behavioral Health Work is promoting NDSD.
“Depression is not a passing mood or personal weakness. Depression doesn’t discriminate, it affects us all,” said Julia Griffith, chairperson of the Michigan InterPlan Behavioral Health Work Group – National Depression Screening Project Subcommittee. Ms. Griffith added, “Approximately 950,000 Michigan residents suffer from some form of depression. Less than half of those afflicted (about 400,000 Michigan residents) are seeking and receiving treatment for their depression. Research suggests that 80 percent of people can be successfully treated for depression.”
Depressive disorders are prevalent in primary care settings and are often co-occur with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. NDSD Mental Health Screening is designed to call attention to mood and anxiety disorders and to educate the public and clinicians about the symptoms and effective treatments. By answering a few simple questions, and taking part in the screening process, participants can learn if they may be at risk for depression and can seek appropriate treatment.
Members of the Ad-Hoc Michigan InterPlan Behavioral Health Work Group include:
- Blue Care Network
- Care Choices
- Health Alliance Plan
- HealthPlus of Michigan
- M-Care
- Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan
- Priority Health
Advisory group members include:
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan
- MPRO, Michigan’s Healthcare Quality Improvement Organization
- ValueOptions
Don’t let an undiagnosed mood or anxiety disorder get in the way of leading a full and rich life. Get Screened, Get Treated, Get Better. Information on screening sites is available at www.mentalhealthscreening.org.
