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Reed Steps Down After 5 Years as Executive Director

Only July 1, Jerry Reed, Ph.D., MSW, stepped down from his role as the Executive Director.  Dr. Reed joined SPAN USA in July 2003, and has been a strong participant in the national suicide prevention movement, helping to raise awareness, educate members of the media and general public about suicide prevention, and effect public policy changes in mental health legislation. To read the press release, click here.

House Passes Medicare Bill with Mental Health Equity!

On June 24, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331). This important bill includes a provision to provide for mental health equity for outpatient services in Medicare.

Medicare mental health equity is a public policy priority for SPAN USA. America's senior citizens and those with disabilities should not have to pay more out of pocket for mental health services than for physical health services. Thanks to all our grassroots activists who called their U.S. Representative, we are one step closer to achieving parity for mental health services.

H.R. 6331 passed by a vote of 355-59. To find out if your U.S. Representative voted for or against the bill, click here. To read an AP article about the bill, click here.

SPAN USA
Hosts Senior Suicide
Prevention Briefing

SPAN USA continues to open minds and change policy by bringing attention to the issue of senior suicide.  On Tuesday, June 3, SPAN USA hosted a Hill Briefing about the issue of suicide among senior adults. To access the presentations, click here. To view the press release, click here.

Recent Publications

A summary of SPAN USA's survey of the leaders/facilitators of support groups for persons bereaved by suicide is available by clicking here. Many thanks to those who shared their input to make this survey possible.  Or download the new guide for funeral directors (developed in collaboration with SPRC). 

Support SPAN USA:
Lifekeeper Jewelry,
Marketplace, & More

Remember those lost and support suicide prevention efforts by giving Lifekeeper Jewelry (charm, pin, necklace, or bracelet). Or visit the SPAN USA Marketplace for other available items such a SPAN USA Polo shirt, educational guides, suicide prevention pins and much more. Consider other things you can do to support SPAN USA.