MAGELLAN HLTH SERV : Magellan Launches "Take Mental Health To Heart" Campaign to Promote and Support Mental Wellness
05/04/2011| 10:30am US/Eastern
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Approximately one in four Americans over the age of 18 suffers from a
diagnosable mental disorder in a given year according to the National
Institute of Mental Health, yet far too many of those with mental
wellness issues do not seek help or treatment. In honor of Mental Health
Awareness Month this May, Magellan Health Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGLN)
has launched Take
Mental Health To Heart, a program to promote the importance of
good mental health as a key component to total wellness.
The theme for the inaugural 2011 program is mental wellness for members
of the military and their families. With America's ongoing involvement
in wars and conflicts overseas, initiatives to support mental wellness
for the U.S. military community have become increasingly important: one
report estimates that approximately 18.5 percent of service members
returning from Iraq or Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder
or depression. Take Mental Health To Heart strives to create an
understanding of the military population's mental wellness challenges,
humanize their special circumstances and help combat the stigma that too
often accompanies mental illness.
"Members of the military and their families make extraordinary
sacrifices for our country, and in doing so, many face mental wellness
challenges unique to their situation," said René Lerer, M.D., Magellan's
chairman and CEO. "Magellan is committed to supporting our service
members and veterans, and we see the Take Mental Health To Heart
initiative as another way to raise awareness about this important matter
by putting our behavioral health expertise to work for America's heroes."
"Mental Wellness Wednesdays"
Every Wednesday in May, Magellan and its campaign partners - the
National Military Family Association and Horizon Healthcare Services,
Inc. - will provide new resources and information on topics from various
phases and aspects of military service, such as preparing family and
friends for a loved one's deployment; mental wellness on duty; dealing
with trauma, loss and grief; and the transition home or to civilian life
after service. Information, videos, online assessment tools and
interactive elements are available at www.TakeMentalHealthToHeart.com.
"There are many resources available to help our service members,
veterans, and their families confront the mental health stressors they
face, yet too many in our community suffer in silence without seeking
the support they need," said Joyce Wessel Raezer, executive director of
the National Military Family Association. "In working with Magellan for Take
Mental Health To Heart, we aim to raise awareness that assistance is
available and recovery is possible, all the while fighting the mental
illness stigma that prevents those with conditions like anxiety, post
traumatic stress and depression from asking for help."
Spreading the Word for a Good Cause
The interactive section of TakeMentalHealthToHeart.com
features free electronic "post cards" with a variety of images, messages
and a link to additional campaign resources. Cards are designed for
family and friends to send to loved ones in the military offering words
of encouragement and appreciation, as well as for those in the military
to send to friends and family who have provided support during their
service. For every e-postcard sent, Magellan and Horizon Healthcare
Services, Inc. will each donate $1 to support the National Military
Family Association, up to a combined total of $50,000. The site also
features a digital message wall where visitors can share their stories,
encouragement and words of gratitude for members of the military and
their families.
About the National Military Family Association:
The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit
organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of
the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. The
Association provides families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air
Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with
information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer
programs that improve their lives. With more than 40 years of service
and accomplishments, the National Military Family Association is a
trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. To
learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.
About Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc.:
Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc., New Jersey's oldest and largest
health insurer, is a not-for-profit health services corporation. Horizon
Healthcare Services, Inc., serves approximately 3.6 million members and
is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West
Trenton. Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc., provides a wide variety of
health and dental insurance products and services, including Medicare
and Medicaid products, for businesses and individuals.
About Magellan: Headquartered in
Avon, Conn., Magellan Health Services, Inc., is a leading specialty
health care management organization with expertise in managing
behavioral health, radiology and specialty pharmaceuticals, as well as
public sector pharmacy benefits programs. Magellan delivers innovative
solutions to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for
those we serve. Magellan's customers include health plans, employers and
government agencies, serving approximately 31.5 million members in our
behavioral health business, 18.5 million members in our radiology
benefits management segment, and 4.9 million members in our medical
pharmacy management product. In addition, the specialty pharmaceutical
segment serves 41 health plans and several pharmaceutical manufacturers
and state Medicaid programs. The Company's Medicaid Administration
segment serves 25 states and the District of Columbia. For more
information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com.
Magellan Health Services, Inc.
Chris Pearsall, 860-507-1923
CMPearsall@MagellanHealth.com
© Business Wire 2011
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