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Allina Hospitals & Clinics offers free mental health screenings for National Depression Screening Day
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 09/25/2009--Like most pregnant women, Ellie Zuehlke was screened for diabetes, high blood pressure, and birth defects. But she also made sure she was screened for something else -- depression. Overcome with postpartum depression after the birth of her first baby, she knew the importance of screening so she could seek treatment right away.
"Depression is a treatable medical condition, and like any other medical condition, people should not feel ashamed to get screened and treated," said Zuehlke.
Free mental health screenings on Thursday, October 8, 2009
Facts about Depression
- Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
- Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
- Depressive disorders costs employers more than $51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.
- More than 80 percent of people with clinical depression can be successfully treated. With early recognition, intervention, and support, most individuals can lead productive lives.
Because depression is so pervasive and treatable, Allina Hospitals & Clinics is offering free depression screening on Thursday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at six locations: - Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407, 612-863-4000
- Cambridge Medical Center: Main Hospital Entrance, 701 South Dellwood, Cambridge, MN 55008, 763-689-7700
- Mercy Hospital: Enter Main Lobby, 4050 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55433, 763-236-6000
- New Ulm Medical Center: Outpatient Psychiatric Services, 3rd Floor of the Hospital, 1324 Fifth Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073, 507-233-1168
- United Hospital: Main Lobby, 333 North Smith Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102, 651-241-8000
- Unity Hospital: Auditorium Entrance/Auditorium, 550 Osborne Road, Fridley, MN 55432, 763-236-5000
There is no registration for the free screenings. Walk-ins are welcome.
The screenings help individuals learn the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide; educate friends and family members on what to do if a loved one is at risk; and give individuals the opportunity to talk to a mental health professional about their own or a loved one’s situation.
"Allina is as committed to depression treatment as we are to other major medical conditions," said Paul Goering, MD, executive medical director of Allina Mental Health. "We have a system-wide commitment to identify and treat depression in our clinics. We are identifying opportunities for integrative medicine to expand the tools available to fight depression. We are examining and supporting the highest quality of evidence-based care. All Allina mental health units have been remodeled to optimize healing environments."
About Allina Hospitals & Clinics
Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, more than 90 clinics, and health care services, including Allina Mental Health.
Allina Mental Health is a network of Minnesota health care providers who help children, adolescents, adults and seniors work through times when the troubles of life interfere with their ability to function or cope. Allina Mental Health programs and services include crisis intervention, geriatric psychiatry, and substance abuse treatment. # # #
Related Links
Depression inventory
Improving depression care, preventing suicide: How are we doing?
Allina Mental Health
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