Kerman University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Health Policy and Management 2322-5939 1 2 2013 07 20 Challenges for Policy Makers and Organizational Leaders: Addressing Trends in Mental Health Inequalities 99 101 2746 10.15171/ijhpm.2013.16 EN Christy Rentmeester Center for Health Policy and Ethics, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA Journal Article 2013 07 01 We typically think of acutely and chronically mentally ill patients as those who belong in psychiatric hospitals and the latter category of patients belonging in “regular” hospitals, but the intersection of physical and mental illness draws attention to important challenges for policy-makers and organizational leaders. This article illuminates some broad trends in the health status of people with mental illnesses, canvasses important features of inequalities suffered by people with mental illnesses, and suggests strategies for systemic reform. Most reform recommendations I offer are in the area of healthcare organization leadership and management. Other key reforms will likely be legislative, regulatory, and insurance-related. Social and cultural reforms in organizational practices and structures will also be critical. https://www.ijhpm.com/article_2746_d37124c4c79f357cb02c655671a432fa.pdf