Minnesota 10 by 10
Study of the factors in premature death among persons with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia finds that few people routinely see their primary care physicians for annual physical health screenings. With regular screening, these diseases can be prevented by lifestyle changes or detected early so treatment can control these health conditions.
To increase the average lifespan of Minnesotan’s with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, by 10 years within 10 years, a public/private partnership group has created an initiative called the Minnesota 10 by 10, part of a national goal set by the federal Center for Mental Health Services within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
To accomplish this goal, the first step is to educate clients, their families or significant others, mental health professionals and primary care physicians about the importance of annual health screening.
Additional information can be found in the following Lifespan Letter containing a cover letter, informational pieces for either providers or consumers and a form with list of preventive screenings and spaces to fill in results at annual physical exams.