Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

New mental health initiatives spark conversation in the Dayton area


Mental health badges (Dayton 24/7 Now file photo){ }
Mental health badges (Dayton 24/7 Now file photo)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- Suicide and overdose rates have been steadily increasing in the Miami Valley, so the push for new mental health initiatives is necessary and urgent.

Since the start of the pandemic, the mental health crisis has increased across the country, especially here in the Dayton region.

According to the Montgomery County Public Health Department, drug overdoses, abuse, and rates of suicide are higher on average here than in other Ohio counties and the United States overall.

"We have seen an uptick in substance abuse in mental health challenges amongst our residents and the percent of people who have had serious thoughts of suicide has increased across all age groups and the number of overdose deaths has been increasing over the last 4 years," said Haley Carretta, the Montgomery County Director of Strategic Initiatives.

While these statistics are alarming, multiple organizations and public leaders are making strides to help alleviate issues the Dayton community is experiencing.

The Montgomery County Commissioners and Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association recently created a task force that is going to have monthly meetings to discuss what resources are needed most.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Montgomery County Commissioners announce Behavioral Health Task Force

"Some of the things we expect to come out of the task force, is a need for advocacy at the state and federal level," said Carretta.

The communication and collaboration between community members and leaders brings multiple perspectives to the table – as do the doctors who treat different mental and behavioral health issues every day.

"We will be doing focus groups throughout different areas in our community and different sectors and that’s when we want to hear from specifically people who have been impacted by this issue," said Carretta.

"It's more than time to start shifting our mindsets as friends, family, employers, and leaders, that mental health is an issue," said Julie Manuel, the Clinical Program Manager for Kettering Behavioral Medical Center.

Manuel believes that part of ending the stigma against talking about mental health - is talking.

Having leaders in our community advocate for new resources and programs is one major step in the right direction.

Loading ...