[Sabertooth]

I don't read that speech and end up thinking that he is going to ask that every person in America is screened, then medicated as needed.

The President said:

"We must give all Americans who suffer from mental illness the treatment, and the respect, they deserve."

Since universal detection and treatment of mental illness is the goal, then universal screening (even if voluntary) will be a necessary means toward that goal.

Even if the program is not quite so ambitious at the outset, that's the direction it would head, if it ever got started.

[itsahoot]

Saber here is a quote from the article.

The panel found that "despite their prevalence, mental disorders often go undiagnosed" and recommended comprehensive mental health screening for "consumers of all ages," including preschool children.

Since most people start out life as a kid........Oh well.

As always your posts are insightful. I think this mental health discussion started some time ago, when it was suggested that mental health coverage should be on par with regular health care. I don't remember who initiated this discourse, but then again I don't remember what I watched on TV last night :)