Mental Health a “Top Concern” in Latest Community Health Needs Assessment
A recent Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by Columbus Regional Hospital’s Healthy Communities Department has revealed a concerning trend: mental health is declining in Bartholomew County and surrounding areas. The assessment, which surveyed local residents, showed a marked increase in the number of individuals reporting poor mental health, depression diagnoses, and suicidal thoughts. Alarmingly, access to mental health services has also significantly decreased.
The Current State
25% of Bartholomew County residents reported fair or poor mental health, up from 15% in 2018.
40% reported being diagnosed with depression, a significant jump from 30% in 2018.
10% shared they had considered suicide in the past year, compared to 7% in 2018.
14% were unable to access needed mental health services, a concerning rise from just 4% in 2018.
These findings underscore the urgent need for increased mental health support within our community. ASAP (Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress) recognizes the critical link between mental health and substance use disorder. Individuals struggling with mental health challenges are at a higher risk of developing substance use issues, and vice versa.
Our Efforts
In response to this crisis, ASAP is committed to:
Powering the prevention movement: We continue to provide programs and resources that promote mental wellness and prevent substance misuse.
Raising awareness: We will continue to educate our community about the importance of mental health and the connection to substance misuse.
Increasing access to resources: We will work to connect individuals with the appropriate mental health, prevention, and recovery services.
Collaborating with community partners: We are actively involved in initiatives like Mental Health Matters, working together to strengthen our local mental health system.
While the assessment paints a stark picture of the current mental health landscape, there is hope. Community-wide initiatives like Mental Health Matters are actively working to address the shortage of mental health professionals and improve access to care. ASAP is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort, and we remain dedicated to supporting the well-being of our community.
You Can Make a Difference
This is a call to action. We urge you to prioritize your mental health and seek help when needed. We all go through mental health struggles and need support from time to time. Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive community for all.
