Mental Health -

The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County, Inc. is supporting efforts to improve the mental health of Carroll Countians. A mentally healthy community is indicated by many factors including: low suicide attempt rates, and increased number of county residents who’s insurance covers mental health services, an adequate number of out patient, residential and crisis service providers for all ages and a decrease in the stigma associated with mental illness and emotional disturbances.

In the national study, “Healthy People 2010” one of the leading health indicators cited is mental health. “Mental health is sometimes thought of as simply the absence of a mental illness but is actually much broader. Mental health is a state of successful mental functioning, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Mental health is indispensable to personal well-being, family and interpersonal relationships, and one’s contribution to society."  Healthy People 2010 lists a number of indicators for mental health , many of which have been adopted or reflected on by numerous local agencies. The goals listed are:

• Lowering the suicide rate • Increasing the number of mental health providers and ensuring access to appropriate quality mental health services • Number of employers in the county who’s insurance benefits cover mental health services • Reducing discrimination against persons with mental illness and children with emotional disturbances; wide distribution of antIstigma materials and increased employment opportunities • Developing a comprehensive crisis service system • Treating recognized depression • Decreasing the proportion of homeless adults who have serious mental illness

The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County, Inc. has focused its energy to address these indicators by:

• Supporting advocacy efforts to reduce stigma ( such as the “Peace of Mind Festival” put on by SOAR every year) • Supporting efforts to assure availability of an adequate continuum of care that addresses all aspects of behavioral health ( including substance abuse) for adults and adolescents ( such as participating on a committee seeking grants for dually diagnosed individuals) • Assisting agencies in annual depression screenings in the hopes that our county will increase the proportion of adults with recognized depression who receive treatment

The Partnership has joined ongoing efforts of a number of committees in our community who are focusing on improving the mental health.

• Support Opportunity Advocacy and Recovery ( SOAR) • Behavioral Health and Addictions Advisory Council • Mental Health Subcommittee of the Local Management Board • Coocuring Grants Committee • Connecting with Kids Committee • Access to Health Care Committee • NotMyKid committee • Risky Business

The Partnership is seeking to promote mental health in our community by supporting efforts to increase treatment options, reduce stigma and increase awareness of issues and programs.  If you need more information contact us.

Related Links: • Get Connected Family Resource Center • Carroll County Core Service Agency Directory of Mental Health Providers in Carroll County • Directory of Community Services for Carroll County • Mental Health Statistics and Information • NotMyKid • Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Campaign • National Institute of Mental Health • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration • Healthy People 2010 • Stop a Suicide Today • Focus Adolescent Services