Election 2008: NAMI Releases Candidates' Statements on Mental Health Care
In early 2008, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) sent questionnaires to all of the candidates in both parties, asking about their views regarding mental health care. Candidates were encouraged to submit whatever relevant materials they chose, even if they did not have time to complete the questionnaire.
On September 19, NAMI released the candidates responses to the public. "Mental health is part of the national dialogue on health," said NAMI executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "We offer the candidate responses as part of the process of public education."
The responses received, including those from Barack Obama, John McCain and Joe Biden, are available on NAMI's website.
NAMI's website also provides excerpts from the Democratic and Republican party platforms related to healthcare, education and veterans.
My initial response? I found it quite telling that Obama took the time to answer each individual question while McCain provided a written statement in lieu of answering the questionnaire. After reading the materials provided, I felt like I had more of a clear idea where Obama stands on mental health care issues than I did with McCain. I also felt that Obama showed more respect for those with mental illness because he addressed the issues brought up in the questionnaire rather than simply stating his views and ignoring the questions asked. It also didn't hurt that he came out strongly in favor of all the programs and legislation that are important to me.
Have an opinion about the candidates? Share your thoughts below.
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Comments
There is no doubt that Barack Obama cares about the situations of life that can be challenging to individual people. He is not a sound bite person but someone who seems to consider issues carefully and respects each person. His health care proposals, to include mental health care, are substantial and inclusive to relieve the general population, not just a selected few. This is important to the entire nation. We pay one way or the other for the lack of health care of which a large percentage is mental health care often not acknowledged.
I urge everyone to consider Obama’s quiet, reflective leadership manner in considering the needs of our great nation.
This is a dire time in our nation, one of the most critical, if not the most critical, in my life time of 63 years. I urge everyone to think about the crucial issues looming over us and choose Obama/Biden to bring in new ideas and new people to lead this 21st century. It may be the most important vote we are privileged to have.
Sharon Barnes
The Republican answer to depression has long been “pick yourself up by the bootstraps.” This is exactly the type of unhelpful point of view we DON’T need in the White House. While John McCain seems a little more progressive than his Republican peers, I support Barack Obama for president.
Wendy Aron, author of Hide & Seek: How I Laughed at Depression, Conquered My Fears and Found Happiness
http://www.wendyaron.com
I agree with above. It seems like Senator McCain is skirting the issues and giving the typical Republican idea of personal responsability. Mental Health is not the cause of an individual usually, so how can you take responsability if it is not your fault. Not to say we shouldn’t do what we can to help ourselves. It seems Obama actually answered the questions asked, thus showing hopefully he is indeed concerned.
I agree with Wendy and William. Until you have someone you love, in your family, or circle of friends, you can’t possibly begin to understand. Metal illness and/or depression IS NOT a weakness, IT IS A DISORDER, that for the most part can be treated with the ‘proper care’. Hence the word ‘proper care’. Senator Obama from the very beginning of his campaign explained in detail how he is for the ‘people’ and what he plans to do to help. This resignates with everything he stands for. As Senator McCain is, and always will be, a WASHINGTON insider.
That was definetely a blanket statement. It’s as if he couldn’t be bothered. McCain shows no more respect for the American people than Bush. I believe we are even looked down upon by them - they are the elite decision makers after all. Obama shows more dignity, respect, and truthfullness in where he stands on the issues.
I agree with Wendy Aron and all of those who followed suit.
Could be wrong but for a person noted for his explosive temper,maybe Mc Cain is on some sort of medication
Thank you Barack Obama, for taking the time to answer the questions. I appreciate your spirit. Mr. McCain’s failure lack of sensitivity to another REAL ISSUE continues to confirm by choice for Mr. Obama for President. I agree with the previous comment about those living with Mental Illness not being at fault, and being in need of understanding from the Health/Insurance community…Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sorry to cause dissension here, but I thought the Founding Fathers promised us the PURSUIT of happiness, not a guarantee. It is not the job of the taxpayers to bail us out of our clinical depressions any more than it is their obligation to bail out Wall Street. Our illness is not our fault, but it is not our neighbors’ responsibility, either. Of COURSE everybody loves Barrack Obama. He’s promising social programs for everybody! Folks, these programs cost money, and the money is running out. There is no such thing as a free lunch. When a politician promises you a service, he has to take that money from somebody else. The blessing and the curse of living in a free society (where government is not always reaching into everybody’s pocket) is that WE are responsible for our well-being and our health care. Do you really want to live in a Socialist State? If so, go to Canada or Denmark or the UK. The US simply isn’t designed to be an entitlement society.
I was a supporter of Hillary and wasn’t sure about Obama, but this definitely seals the deal for me. I will be voting for Obama on Nov.4th. It is quite obvious that he gave this a great deal of thought and cares very much. As for the other candidate, well his statement says it all! It doesn’t surprise me coming from someone who doesn’t even know how many houses he owns.
Going to have to agree with Norcal763 on this one. Not all people who face depression each day are Democrat! It is not the “saving grace” of a new President that we need! Is it really the ones crying out for peace that are peaceful??? There are many programs that are very helpful but it is the compassion one to another that will really help us through this illness. That is worth fighting for more than someone who speaks out of both sides of his mouth and he’s not even agreeing with himself!
Norcal and Jen, It is not so much the guarantee of happiness as treating mental illness like physical illness. Cancer patients are not limited in the number of visits per year to an oncologist. Some insurances do not cover psychotropic medications. All I want is parity. An illness is an illness. That is the bottom line for me. Cover me in the same way you do the cancer patient or the person who has a heart condition. Cover me the same as you do the smoker or the obese of America.
I agree with you, Mobile. My objection was to government control of the health care system in general. I definitely believe that ANY health care plan, public or private, should treat mental illness as seriously as it treats any other disease.
I, too, agree with all of you who have said you are supporting Senator Obama. We are lucky to have such a person as he running for office at this time of crisis in our country, when it so desperately needs great leadership.
Anyone who takes the time to answer my questions gets my vote. It may surprise you McCain fans that many of the homeless are mentally ill. Who will take care of them? Like it or not we are our brothers keeper. Me, I own my ownhome. I payed for it straight out. Ipay my taxes. I would rather see my money go to help a poor ‘’bumb'’ then a corporate bank.