Press Releases
02/14/2017
Gov. Malloy Highlights Connecticut’s Ranking as the Top State in the Country on Mental Health Wellness
Mental Health America Cites State’s Higher Rate of Access to Care and Insurance Coverage Among Factors in Ranking
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today highlighted the release of a report by one of the nation’s leading community-based nonprofits dedicated to the needs of those living with mental illness, which ranked Connecticut as the top state in the country on mental health wellness issues.
Mental Health America’s 2017 State of Mental Health in America Report utilized several factors to determine Connecticut’s high ranking, including its lower prevalence of mental illness and higher rates of access to care and treatment for both adults and youths. The overall ranking is based on 15 measures that include statistics related to mental illness, suicide and insurance coverage among Connecticut adults and youth. Last year, the state ranked third among the states.
“Mental health issues continue to be a growing health concern throughout the country, impacting people of all backgrounds and all walks of life,” Governor Malloy said. “This is exactly why we’ve dedicated so many of our efforts to ensuring access of care for those who need it the most. Our work on this front will not be finished until all of those in need are receiving the treatment needed to live active, healthy lives. We’ve formed strong partnerships with many groups and organizations in our state to ensure adequate quality of care, and I want to thank all of them for their efforts, which are being recognized throughout the country.”
“Affordable health insurance options, access to high-quality providers, and parity for mental health coverage means residents have more opportunity to live healthier lives,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “It’s why the Affordable Care Act has been so important for Connecticut – it helped us bring our uninsured rate down to 3.8 percent, which is among the lowest in the nation. Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare is fundamental to building strong communities and a strong economy, and it will continue to be a priority for all of us.”
“To be ranked the top state in the nation in the area of mental health is not only an honor, but it is a testament to Connecticut’s continuum of mental health care – a system that is a clear collaboration between the department and community treatment and recovery support providers,” Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said. “We know that recovery is possible. Being at the top motivates us to continue to strengthen our system and champion wellness for all of Connecticut’s residents.”
Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Katharine Wade said, “Connecticut has much to be proud of and much more to achieve. Over the past few years we have enacted strong legislation built around consumer protection. We work very hard to make sure consumers are informed and that they get the benefits to which they are entitled.”
According to Mental Health America, 56 percent of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment. The report also found that more Americans now have access to insurance and services than before.
To view the full report, visit Mental Health America’s website.
- Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
- Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy