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Two National Business Group on Health Members Honored for Mental Health Services

Posted on: Monday, 27 November 2006, 18:00 CST

The National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of more than 255 large employers, announced today that two of its member organizations -- Pitney Bowes Inc. and JPMorgan Chase -- have been honored by Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Mental Health Association, for their dedication and commitment to providing workers with access to mental health services across the United States.

Pitney Bowes, the provider of innovative mailstream solutions, was recognized with the Mental Health America's Leadership Initiative Award, which honors a company that demonstrates broad-based solutions to mental health coverage for employees. JPMorgan Chase received the Innovation Program Award, given to a company that seeks a creative solution to ensuring employees have the mental health care they need.

"We are delighted that Mental Health America has chosen to recognize these two outstanding organizations for leading the way to develop and implement solutions to mental health coverage for employees," said Helen Darling, President of the National Business Group on Health, which nominated Pitney Bowes and JPMorgan Chase for the awards. "Their leadership in promoting mental health care services for all workers serves as a great example to others in bringing attention to this critical issue."

Pitney Bowes has demonstrated a corporate initiative that helps address workplace wellness for all employees so they can learn to achieve mental health throughout their lifetimes. The company adopted full parity for behavioral health in 1997 and simultaneously introduced a nationwide EAP program. The company has incorporated behavioral health into key components of health management, including: wellness/health improvement programs; disability management; and on-site clinical services (in locations with on-site clinics). The program is carved out of all self-funded medical plans and is delivered by an external vendor that was chosen for their clinical and administrative excellence.

JPMorgan Chase has implemented several mental health benefit programs for employees and their families including establishing a medical executive position and implementing creative solutions instead of reducing mental health benefits. They also use partnerships to give employees or family members a sense of control and active involvement in treatment decisions, started Wellness Program with seminars on stress management, parenting and dual careers, hired a clinical psychologist to direct the Employment Assistance Program, worked with providers, employees, and their supervisors on returning to work from mental health leaves, and added nurses specializing in mental health disability events and a clinical psychologist to the in-house team that managed short-term disability absences and assisted employees with their return to work..

In nominating both companies, Ms. Darling of the National Business Group on Health praised Dr. Wayne N. Burton, medical executive of JPMorgan Chase, and Dr. John J. Mahoney, corporate medical director and global health care management director at Pitney Bowes for their leadership roles at both companies. "Drs. Burton and Mahoney are the true visionaries and workhorses who created and sustained their award winning programs. Their tireless efforts over the years demonstrate the kind of commitment that is required to address all of the health needs of employees and their families," said Ms. Darling.

The awards were presented to both companies at the Mental Health America's Awards Dinner held in November. Under its new name, Mental Health America is dedicated to improving the health and well being of all people -- especially children and adults living with mental health and substance abuse problems -- by helping them live mentally healthier lives. Over the coming year, Mental Health America will engage the American public in a dialogue about mental health and wellness, and the important role it plays in their lives and in the health and success of the country.

About the National Business Group on Health

The National Business Group on Health, representing over 255 large employers, is the nation's only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to large employers' most important health care and related benefits issues. The Business Group identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. Business Group members, primarily Fortune 500 and large public sector employers, provide health coverage for more than 55 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families.

 Contact:  Ed Emerman 609-452-5967 Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=9D1369695EF03A2D  

SOURCE: National Business Group on Health

Source: MARKET WIRE

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