Mental Health
Goal: Increase Access and Education in Saginaw County for Mental Health Services.
Measure
2009 Service Utilization Summary by the Michigan Department of Community Health (FY 10/1/2008 - 9/30/2009).
Why This Indicator is Important
Unlike most physical diseases that are disabling, mental illnesses often manifest early in life. According to researchers supported by the National Institute of Mental Illness, half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14; three quarters have begun by age 24. Such trends are especially evident with anxiety disorders, which often begin during late childhood, and mood disorders, which often develop during late adolescence. Although these problems often begin in childhood, often there are long delays, sometimes decades, between the first onset of symptoms and the recognition that an individual ought to seek appropriate treatment. Untreated disorders can lead to more‐severe disorders that are more difficult to treat. The consequences are significant. Mental illness exacts a heavy toll on young people who suffer these often disabling illnesses when they are in the prime of life.
How Are We Doing?
In 2008-2009, 4,870 (an increase from 4,624 in 2007) residents in Saginaw County were served for issues related to mental health. Of those served, about 77% were adults. In most categories, Saginaw County compares favorably to the state averages and numbers. However, three statistical categories stand out for Saginaw County residents in 2009: 1) rate of sentinel events per 1,000 persons served where the Saginaw County rate was 23.24 to Michigan’s at 4.66; 2) rate of arrests and convictions per 1,000 persons served where Saginaw rates were 22.44 to Michigan’s rate of 3.32; and 3) percent of children with SED served (31.55% in Saginaw to 18.76% for Michigan).
How Can You Have An Impact?
- Advocate for greater local health education programs.
- Work to alleviate social and economic factors that are barriers to mental health.
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