Depression awareness and treatment
Approximately $44 billion is spent each year in direct treatment, mortality, absenteeism and loss of productivity due to depression. Depression can also limit the successful treatment of cancer, stroke and heart attack. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network of Michigan have launched a depression awareness campaign that has reached up to 4.5 million Michigan residents. The objectives of the campaign are to:
- Educate children and adolescents, their teachers and parents about the signs of depression and where to go for help.
- Educate senior citizens, their relatives and caregivers about the symptoms and treatments for depression and where to go for help.
- Increase routine depression screenings and referrals for appropriate treatment.
- Connect physicians and health care providers with the latest diagnostic guidelines and current treatments available.
- Improve our mental health benefit options.
To learn more, visit the Depression Awareness and Treatment area of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Web site.
page modified 04/23/2008