On July 24, 2006, Senator Harkin (D-IA) introduced legislation that would amend the Public Health Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to set standards for medical diagnostic equipment and to establish a program for promoting good health, disease prevention, and wellness and for the prevention of secondary conditions for individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.programs.

In my work with individuals with psychiatric disabilities, this kind of attention and support to their wellness is very much needed. Many of these people lack access to preventative medical care. They also typically have very unhealthy lifestyles that increase the rates of chronic health problems such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Also places that care for individuals with psychiatric disabilities lack the funds to purchase equipment, supplies and space to conduct those programs that they need most– like smoking cessation, nutrition education, and exercise equipment and facilities.

This legislation sets up a competitive grant process for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to access funds that can be used to:

  • develop programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight control, nutrition, or fitness that focus on the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities regarding these issues;
  • establish preventive health screening programs for individuals with disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions; and
  • create athletic, exercise, or sports programs that provide individuals with disabilities (including children with disabilities) an opportunity to increase their physical activity in a dedicated or adaptive recreational environment

In my work writing materials (Solutions for Wellness and Nutrition for Americans) to educate individuals with psychiatric disabilities about changing their lifestyle through nutrition and activity so that they can be healthier, I know of the difficulty of accessing funds to actually have classes on this topic. If passed, this legislation could help to set up pilot programs to promote wellness in this population. I personally think that this could be a wonderful start in helping individuals with psychiatric disabilities to become more active participants in their own care.

To date there are no co-sponsors of this legislation. However after posting this, I will be writing my Senator. If you feel so inclined, I hope that you would write yours too. Click here to find your’s.

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