Mental health advocates identify local issues, concerns
Albany HeraldFeb 17, 2020
Those who fall into that category include the homeless and the poor, groups that traditionally are least likely to access mental health services,
"People are slipping through the cracks," Richardson, who said she was appearing more as an advocate than in her official capacity on the board, told commissioners. "So many of our homeless have mental health (issues). If we lose this funding, the poor and the homeless are the ones who are going to suffer because they can't afford it."
The funding cuts Richardson referenced have to do with Gov.
During an appearance in
Among the statistics provided to commissioners were national figures that indicate one in four adults experiences mental illness in a given year, with one in 17 having a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder; that mood disorders such as depression are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the country for those ages 18 to 44, and that suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the nation and third for those ages 15 to 24.
Also 20 percent of those ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year, Richardson told the board.
In addition to the everyday stresses that can lead to anxiety disorders, many
"I worry about our community because of our hurricane and our weather events, particularly our young people," Richardson said. "When kids have early stress, it changes their brain waves and even their brain function."
Advocates are working with the community through outreach at church events and a soup kitchen, and in some cases drive those who do not have cars to a pharmacy to pick up medication, Richardson said.
"Transportation is a big issue," said
People with severe mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia and major depression are unable to work and also often find it hard to work through the maze of applying for disability assistance, she said.
"We really need some volunteers, some attorneys who will do pro bono work to help them apply for disability," Brands said.
Commissioner
And Commissioner
"I think a lot of churches have people who are retired, who are (already) helping out in the community," Johnson said.
Enlisting additional community support is one area on which local advocates are planing to work, Richardson said.
In other business Monday, commissioners:
-- Approved the purchase of several vehicles, including a Ford F-150 pickup truck at a cost of
-- Approved two purchases of playground equipment for county parks in the amounts of
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