Psychiatric News May 6, 2005
Volume 40 Number 9
© 2005 American Psychiatric Association
p. 9
Take-Home Messages From Kansas City Depression Initiative
Here are some of the lessons learned so far from Kansas City's experience
with its Community Initiative on Depression. They were discussed in March at
the National Invitational Conference hosted by APA and the American
Psychiatric Foundation's National Partnership for Workplace Mental Health in
collaboration with the Mid-America Coalition on Health Care. The coalition
launched the Kansas City depression initiative in 2000.
- Collaboration works. But first you must find common ground among the
stakeholders. Common ground was reached in Kansas City when employers,
clinicians, and health plans recognized each had a stake in creating and
supporting mentally healthy employees.
- Although stigma about depression was not as great among employees as
expected, education about mental illnesses was still needed at all levels in
the community.
- Not all employers respond to the same message. The "business case for
mental health" may appeal to some; a more emotional, personal approach
may appeal to others. Often, a combination of both works best.
- Each work site is unique. No one set of programs or materials fits all
employers, but providing materials that can be adapted to each worksite is
useful to employers.
- Conducting a survey of employee knowledge, attitudes, and receptivity to
addressing depression in the workplace is a good first step and can suggest
the range of projects employers might want to undertake.
- APA has a vital role to play in identifying stakeholders, forging
partnerships, providing clinical information, building the business case, and
recommending solutions.
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