Ruth Irelan Knee: Influencing Progress in Mental Health

Kenneth Wedel

doi:10.18060/12782

Abstract

Ruth Irelan Knee (1920-2008) was a major player and eyewitness observer of dramatic changes in the treatment of the mentally ill. Early on in her career she experienced interdisciplinary treatment for the mentally ill and organized efforts for addressing mental health and other afflictions, which confront families and communities. She believed that social work could be at the forefront in developing rational approaches to addressing mental health and other social issues through community development. And she placed great value in having social workers at the table with other disciplines to accomplish needed change. Throughout her career and life she stood out as an extraordinary advocate for her chosen profession.

Highlights

Ruth Irelan Knee (1920-2008) was a major player and eyewitness observer of dramatic changes in the treatment of the mentally ill
Contributing factors were several, but especially the discovery of psychoactive drugs which became available to stabilize patients with psychotic disorders. Another major contributing factor was the involvement of the federal government in funding community mental health centers throughout the U.S and financing services through Title XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act—Medicare and Medicaid
A ray of hope, was seen in her work on a multidisciplinary team whose responsibilities included the provision of staff services for the initiation and development of the Mental Health Project Grant’s program under Title V of the Mental Health Act

Summary

Introduction

Ruth Irelan Knee (1920-2008) was a major player and eyewitness observer of dramatic changes in the treatment of the mentally ill. Another major contributing factor was the involvement of the federal government in funding community mental health centers throughout the U.S and financing services through Title XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act—Medicare and Medicaid.

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Conclusion