Many people with serious mental illnesses live in poverty, which can worsen mental and overall health. The authors suggest strategies to improve health outcomes through behavioral health services and supports that directly target financial wellness while reducing dependence on public benefits. Although some services focus on financial education, this effort is likely insufficient for addressing poverty and its accompanying financial hopelessness. A socialecological approach with the core goal of financial wellness may improve outcomes. Financial wellness is a social justice issue that must be elevated to a high-priority area of intervention in behavioral health services.

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Individuals with major mental disorders could benefit from low cost, functional ways to support healthy lifestyles. Walking is a popular, preferred, accessible, and safe physical activity for many people. Walking is free, requiring no specialized equipment or membership fee, and is important to support engagement in other daily living activities. The current study explores the benefits of walking and strategies for promoting walking among community-dwelling individuals with major mental disorders. Key issues include strengthening engagement, tracking progress, and sustaining participation to achieve goals related to walking. The authors propose ways that nurses can support increased walking behavior for improved health and well-being in this population. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(3), 25-32.].

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