"Each year the Rosalynn Carter Symposium serves as an opportunity for the mental health community to convene around an issue of common concern," said John Gates, director of the Mental Health Program. "This year, the topic `Managing Care in the Public Interest' was chosen to encourage dialogue about how managed care as a management tool might better serve the public. This grant helps create a forum for all stakeholders to set aside technical aspects of managed care and consider instead the purposes it serves."
Attending this year's symposium, to be held at The Carter Center Nov. 15-16, will be more than 200 leaders of 60 major mental health organizations, government officials and representatives of managed care facilities nationwide. The focus of the event will be the potential of managed care to deliver quality mental health services. Keynote speaker Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund of New York, will discuss managed care from the perspective of both the private and public sectors in relation to the diverse needs and interests of mental health consumers and their families, service providers, managed care personnel and taxpayers.
Additionally, three panels will review accountability for outcomes in a managed care environment, coordination of private and public mental health care systems, and participation of all stakeholders in policy decisions. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will provide opening and closing remarks.
"Mrs. Carter and The Carter Center Mental Health Task Force and Program are very grateful for the support provided by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation," said Gates. "We are very encouraged by the level of interest this year's topic has generated and we anticipate a lively and informative meeting."