Article archive / September 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 1, 4.
Kenneth Feinberg spoke before Congress in July saying it was not likely that individual mental health claims would be covered in the $20 million fund from BP, drawing sharp criticism from many in mental health.
Speaking before the House Judiciary Committee he said, "If you start compensating purely mental anguish without a physical injury – anxiety, stress – we'll be getting millions of claims from people watching television." Feinberg also said, "You have to draw the line somewhere…”
His opinion drew criticism from National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, and the president of the American Psychiatric Association.
According to the online news source ProPublica and a July 27th article, Feinberg’s opinion is consistent with liability law that requires a link of mental to physical injury.
Individual mental health claims are separate from BP’s policy on providing aid to states, which are requests for aid rather than claims. Louisiana’s requests have been ignored and mental health contacts are mounting, as was noted by Dr. Tony Speier, Deputy Assistant Secretary at DHH, in last month’s Times.
In Louisiana’s coastal communities, the stresses are changeable as situation continues. Dr. Clarence Bergeron, a psychologist practicing in Houma, told the Times last week that the issues are now more about the moratorium. He indicated that the moratorium might be doing as much or more damage to people’s well- being in his community than the direct impact of the oil release.
Mental Health America is coordinating advocacy efforts on Feinberg’s decision. Go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ Select “Action” then “Take Action Now” from menu.
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