The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Supporting networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
Advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources provide relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Upcoming and past Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
March 1994 (Volume 72)
Quarterly Article
Howard H. Goldman
Joseph P. Morrissey
M. Susan Ridgely
Sep 14, 2026
Sep 9, 2026
Back to The Milbank Quarterly
Community-based services for mentally ill individuals have developed in a fragmented and uncoordinated manner over the last 30 years. In response, the RWJF initiated a five-year demonstration in nine cities: the Program on Chronic Mental Illness (CMI). The project’s background is described, as are its accomplishments and limitations. One outcome of sponsorship by the RWJF and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was to assure the problem of CMI a place in the public policy agenda. Despite specific improvements in quality of life for individuals with CMI, however, there was no general improvement for this population. The program thus demonstrated that structural changes alone are insufficient; quality of care must be attended to as well. Despite its drawbacks, the project revealed that interventions can be implemented with positive results.
Author(s): Howard H. Goldman; Joseph P. Morrissey; M. Susan Ridgely
Download the Article
Read on JSTOR
Volume 72, Issue 1 (pages 37–47) Published in 1994