 America’s frenzied debate over government health insurance has eclipsed another, no less challenging, national health care crisis—the plight of people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This Fred Friendly Seminar sheds light on barriers to treatment, ethical and legal dilemmas, and fragmented social policies that are creating a nightmare for families, filling America’s jails, and wasting scarce resources. Led by veteran broadcast journalist Frank Sesno, the program features hypothetical scenarios that challenge prominent mental health professionals, policymakers, and legal luminaries to confront the situations and stigma facing Americans with mental illness. Panelists include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Nobel-winning neuroscientist Eric R. Kandel, Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman, and many others. A viewable/printable discussion guide is available online. (56 minutes)
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