The Crusade for Forgotten Souls: A Long-Forgotten Quest for Better Mental Health Care

In recent years, advocates have been pushing bills in the Minnesota Legislature to address better mental health care in schools, insurance parity, and the elimination of solitary confinement. But this is not a new concept; as outlined in Susan Bartlett Foote's 'The Crusade for Forgotten Souls,' many of these aims were already articulated seventy years ago.

In 2016, the Governor of Minnesota issued Executive Order 16-02 to establish a task force to make recommendations on developing and sustaining a continuum of care for mental illnesses. This initiative was a significant step towards recognizing the importance of mental health care.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, introduced the largest expansion of mental health and substance disorder services in a generation. The act listed mental health as an 'essential health benefit' for all health insurance plans with no annual or lifetime dollar limits.

Despite these advancements, there is still much work to be done. Advocates continue to push for better mental health care in schools and the elimination of solitary confinement. The crusade for forgotten souls is a long-forgotten quest that requires continued effort and dedication from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals affected by mental illness.

As we move forward, it is essential to remember the struggles of those who have come before us and to continue advocating for better mental health care. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has access to the mental health services they need to thrive.