The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 (CMHA) marked a forceful legislative response to the American public’s outcry for a rethinking of how to treat those suffering from mental illnesses. Championed by President John F. Kennedy as part of his “New Frontier” program that aimed to mitigate the effects of poverty and injustice in this country, the CMHA envisioned a large-scale transfer of mentally ill patients from psychiatric institutions to community mental health centers. The CMHA is also historically significant because it marked the federal government’s first direct intervention strategy in the realm of national healthcare, a strategy that has been more fully embraced in recent years (Gilmore, & Sillince, 2014).
Three related elements characterized the CMHA. First, institutionalized patients were brought closer to the community, a process called “deinstitutionalization” (Stroman, 2003). Second, patients were assisted as they reintegrated into the mainstream. The hope was that these individuals would realize their potential in a setting where interaction with fellow citizens was normal and harmonious, and where the deplorable conditions of traditional institutions posed no obstacle. Third, community health infrastructure was expanded to accommodate the sudden influx of patients and to increase the capacity of existing facilities to provide adequate care and treatment. (Yeager, Cutler, Svendsen, & Sills, 2013). Though there were pitfalls and administrative difficulties, the Act marked a major step forward in caring for the mentally ill. …show more content…
Historical Context
Although the shortcomings of our nation’s system for caring for those with mental illnesses long predated his election in 1960, President Kennedy understood the problem in a way perhaps unlike any other American leader to that point in history. In 1941, President
Three related elements characterized the CMHA. First, institutionalized patients were brought closer to the community, a process called “deinstitutionalization” (Stroman, 2003). Second, patients were assisted as they reintegrated into the mainstream. The hope was that these individuals would realize their potential in a setting where interaction with fellow citizens was normal and harmonious, and where the deplorable conditions of traditional institutions posed no obstacle. Third, community health infrastructure was expanded to accommodate the sudden influx of patients and to increase the capacity of existing facilities to provide adequate care and treatment. (Yeager, Cutler, Svendsen, & Sills, 2013). Though there were pitfalls and administrative difficulties, the Act marked a major step forward in caring for the mentally ill. …show more content…
Historical Context
Although the shortcomings of our nation’s system for caring for those with mental illnesses long predated his election in 1960, President Kennedy understood the problem in a way perhaps unlike any other American leader to that point in history. In 1941, President