Primary Care Initiative
The Primary Care Initiative is a provider outreach program of the National Mental Health Association. The mission of this initiative is to improve the manner in which depression and anxiety are detected and treated in primary care settings. Building on the success of NMHA's public education campaigns on depression and anxiety disorders, the primary care initiative aims to "close the loop". That is, to make certain that individuals who have been encouraged to seek treatment for depression and anxiety disorders can be assured that their provider is aware of the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of these illnesses.

At the national level NMHA partners with health care organizations to inform their memberships about the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care settings. At the local level, NMHA's affiliate network conducts grassroots outreach to primary care practitioners. Through peer-to-peer presentations and visits to primary health care facilities and practices, these local sites work diligently in promoting mental health assessments as a routine part of health care.

NMHA has developed educational programs and materials for practitioners and patients, as well as fact sheets about depression and anxiety disorders in primary care settings. NMHA will distribute free educational materials, brochures and screening tools; provide access to support groups and referral network; and provide technical assistance and consultation as needed to primary care practitioners and health care partners interested in participating in this initiative.

By routinely assessing for depression and anxiety disorders, the primary care practitioner can literally save lives by preventing suicide while increasing productivity and reducing health care costs.

For more information or to find out how you can assist with this crucial effort, please contact NMHA at 800-969-NMHA or infoctr@nmha.org.

 

 

This program is made possible through unrestricted educational grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pharmacia & Upjohn.