Reforming how mental health is delivered isn't an either/or issue, and other letters

The nation is facing a mental health emergency, and Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) is proposing comprehensive reform (“Re-institutionalization push: Backers of mental health overhaul see bigger role for inpatient care,” Feb. 2, p. 20). The debate is not an either/or (should there be more beds or more community services). We need it all to get people with serious mental illness the right care at the right time. The alternative is a status quo that values the jail cell over treatment.

We support Rep. Murphy's ongoing efforts to build a better system, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to pass comprehensive mental health reform.

Mark Covall

President and CEONational Association of Psychiatric Health SystemsWashington

Regarding the recent Q&A with Cambia Health CEO Mark Ganz (“Imagine if healthcare were priced to consumers,” Feb. 16, p. 30), it's great to hear such common sense from a seasoned healthcare professional. I have long preached that the financing and delivery of healthcare has to change and that employers clearly have the ability to help make that come about.

Ganz is right on target recognizing that everyone in the industry has been at the table making decisions about a service/product paid for by employees and employers—who are conspicuously absent. Stakeholders are concerned about market share and stockholder value, but not about the consumer's opinion or the impact on the system.

William Bennett

Founder and chairmanWorksiteRxAtlanta

After reviewing the low-cost improvements implemented to develop a geriatric emergency department (“Making healthcare environments safer for seniors,” Modern Healthcare, Feb. 2, p. 24), it seems that all patients would benefit from these types of environmental changes.

Dale Davenport

Senior associate dean of administration and financeCreighton UniversityOmaha, Neb.