Ongoing national effort raises awareness and compassion around mental health
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., May 4, 2018 — During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) clinicians, caregivers and facilities across the U.S. will host programs and events to support the effort to reduce the stigma around mental health. “We are inspired by the many courageous men and women — including film stars, musicians and professional athletes — who have spoken out about their personal experiences with mental illness in recent months,” says Alan B. Miller, UHS founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
A leader in behavioral healthcare, UHS’ more than 200 facilities across the United States treated more than 500,000 patients in 2017. UHS is committed to its mission of providing high quality treatment programs and services to patients with special, and sometimes complex, mental health needs. Its facilities offer treatment for a broad range of psychiatric conditions including substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, eating disorders and trauma through a full continuum of care, which includes acute crisis stabilization, residential treatment and outpatient services.
According to Mental Health America, 43.7 million Americans experience a mental health condition each year. However, only one in five of those living with mental illness will receive treatment. UHS believes that by promoting responsible conversations about mental health and shining a light on how these complex conditions are treated, we can break down the stigma that prevents individuals affected by mental health conditions from receiving treatment and living their best life.
Recently, several celebrities have come forward to share their personal struggles with mental health. “It’s admirable when someone like Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Love or Mariah Carey comes forward to talk about their issues with mental health because it shows that this is a condition that can impact anyone,” Miller said. “They are courageous and should be applauded. We need to use these moments to raise awareness so that more people who need help will get it. This is part of our work every day at UHS… to replace stigma with hope.”
Specialty Programs in Behavioral Healthcare
It is not uncommon for members of the military and their families to struggle with depression, post-traumatic stress (PTS), addiction or other behavioral health issues. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as many as 20 percent of veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan may demonstrate symptoms of PTS. UHS behavioral facilities, in collaboration with TRICARE®, leadership at military installations across the country and abroad and the VA, have developed Patriot Support Programs. Patriot Support Programs provide specialized behavioral health services to active duty service members and veterans in dedicated treatment environments. In 2017, Patriot Support Programs provided care to more than 6,500 service members and veterans.
UHS also continues to expand its addiction treatment services, Foundations Recovery Network (FRN), based in Nashville, Tennessee. FRN is a national leader in evidence-based, integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders through clinical services, education and research. These programs have earned recognition and awards for effective client-driven outcomes that not only preserve the dignity of clients but also improve the quality of their lives year after year.
“As UHS works to change the conversation and bring awareness about mental health to the forefront, we remain committed, on both a local and a national level, to help people on their journey toward recovery,” said Debbie Osteen, UHS Executive Vice President and President of the Behavioral Health Division. “Mental Health Awareness Month and UHS share the primary goal: to make sure every person who needs treatment receives high quality, compassionate care that provides lasting benefit, enabling them to go on to live productive lives.”
Raising Awareness across the UHS Behavioral Health Network
Across the 37 states in which UHS operates behavioral health facilities, a broad variety of local activities are planned over the course of the month, raising awareness for mental health. From community walks, networking events, educational forums and fundraisers to unique initiatives such as Riveredge Hospital’s “Biggest Selfie Ever,” the network of facilities is active in spreading awareness.
About Universal Health Services, Inc.
One of the nation’s largest and most respected hospital companies, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, UHS today has annual revenues of $10 billion. In 2018, UHS was recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; in 2017, ranked #276 on the Fortune 500, and listed #275 in Forbes inaugural ranking of America’s Top 500 Public Companies.
Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40 years ago, enabling us to provide compassionate care to our patients and their loved ones: Build or acquire high quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets, invest in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and become the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has more than 83,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates more than 326 inpatient acute care hospitals and behavioral health facilities, and 32 outpatient and other facilities in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. Find out more →
*TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved.
Contacts
For more information
Jane Crawford 610-382-4830 [email protected]
