Resources available for mental health and substance abuse issues, but public awareness lacking
Albany HeraldNov 04, 2019
"One thing that was true in
The program to which Richardson referred is the statewide school-based mental health program designed to improve early identification, access to and coordination of needed behavioral health services for children with behavioral health needs.
Some 212 people in
Among services for which respondents said there was the most need in their communities for low-income residents experiencing or recovering from mental illness and/or addiction issues, employment opportunities and assistance came out on top at 63 percent, followed by 62 percent who identified housing options and assistance and 54 percent who identified medical services that included general, counseling and dental.
"Housing is also a huge issue," Richardson said. "One thing suggested (was to) use some of our older buildings in the country for housing for the homeless or the low-income (residents).
"Behavioral health issues affect many people, our community as a whole and our economy. They affect as many as 25 percent of Americans each year. Fifty percent may or will have a behavioral health issue in their lifetime."
Another big issue is that those who need help often are ashamed to seek it.
"Research has shown that negative stereotypes of mental health issues prevent people from seeking help or speaking out," Richardson said.
For Davenport, the lack of knowledge about Apex and the importance of early identification of children who need help was alarming.
Among
Davenport said that children who will exhibit future behavioral issues can be identified as early as 2 or 3 years old. Identifying them early and providing counseling to parents and treatment can go a long ways toward treating mental illnesses.
Educating the public is important to let people know that seeking treatment for a mental health or substance abuse issue is on par with any other health-related issue, Davenport said during an interview following the meeting.
"Going for treatment is like if you broke your foot, or you have diabetes or high blood pressure," she said. "You'd go to the doctor."
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