The Final Call

Comprehensive Health Care Means Everyone

By M. Linda Jaramillo -Guest Columnist- | Last updated: Aug 29, 2009 - 11:07:21 AM

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There was a time when the public health care system could support the needs of those who were suffering from mental illness. At least that was true in some states in this country. But that was long ago. It is now rare to find a mental health care system in any state that is available to those who have no health insurance. When did mental health get dropped from the concept of health and wellness?

Our mental health care system has been broken or completely nonexistent for years. We've talked and talked about it. We complain about the closure of state hospitals where housing and care for the chronically mentally ill was taking place. We are concerned about persons being released onto the streets of our communities. But, we do not seem willing to provide the financial support to rebuild this system. Instead, we pay for jails and prisons which have become the housing center for those who are mentally ill or suffering from addictions.

Jails and prisons are not intended or equipped to be health care institutions. Yes, some of the crimes committed do require incarceration. But, honestly many of the crimes are petty and part of a cycle of repeated offenses that result in long-term sentences. Some folks have told me that they simply have no place else to go.

People who are unable to hold a job due to ongoing emotional and mental health issues cannot afford housing, food, clothing, or health care. So, they find themselves living on the streets and if they're lucky, they find a place in a local homeless shelter for a few nights. Thankfully, human services organizations and faith communities have stepped in to provide needed emergency services like a meal or a bed or just someone to talk to. These services are absolutely essential, but we cannot expect them to be the solution to a much bigger social issue.

We are a wealthy nation and a sophisticated society, yet we continue to just talk and do little about this tragic situation. We now have a chance that we cannot let pass us by. We have a chance to influence our Congress and President while they are in the debate about a comprehensive health care system.

Comprehensive means complete and all-inclusive and that includes mental health care. Last week, leaders of the United Church of Christ released a Pastoral Letter on Health Care Reform.

Here is an excerpt: “All parts of creation deserve to be healed when broken, injured, or sick. All persons deserve to be tenderly touched by concerned healers. Health care is not only a basic human right but a human need. As people of faith, we believe that it is a moral imperative to transform health care so that it is inclusive, accessible, affordable, and accountable.”

Please contact your lawmakers TODAY and tell them that any health care proposal must include coverage for all persons; access regardless of ability to pay; a full set of benefits; a choice of physicians and other providers; elimination of racial and ethnic and other Health care disparities; waiver of preexisting condition exclusions without any age limits; and a public option.

(M. Linda Jaramillo is the Executive Minister of the Justice and Witness Ministry of The United Church of Christ which has more than 5,700 churches throughout the United States. Rooted in the Christian traditions of congregational governance and covenantal relationships, each UCC setting speaks only for itself and not on behalf of every UCC congregation. UCC members and churches are free to differ on important social issues, even as the UCC remains principally committed to unity in the midst of our diversity.)