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Preventive Health Care Chronic Disease Prevention HIV / AIDS
Responsible Sexual Behavior Substance Abuse Violence Prevention
PROBLEM
STATEMENT: Four of the major causes of disability in the United
States are  Major
 Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the
U.S. Prevalence rates for mental illness indicates that in any
given year, 20% of the residents of the city will experience readily
treatable mental illnesses like Depression but only 1/3 will seek
treatment. Forty-eight percent of the respondents in a survey of
the residents of Wilmington consider mental health a neighborhood
problem.
GOAL: Improve the quality of mental health in Wilmington
and ensure access to appropriate mental health services.
Read
Harry Hawkes' story
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WHERE WE WANT TO GO:
By 2010, decrease from
3.1 to 2.0 the average number of days per month in which Wilmington
adults report that their mental health was not good.
By 2010, increase the
number of Wilmington residents seen in primary health care
who receive a mental health screening and assessment.
By 2010, increase the
proportion of children with mental health problems who receive
early identification, assessment, and referral to treatment.
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HOW CAN WE GET THERE:
Business
Establish and promote employee assistance programs and
mental health benefits.
Community
Work with community resources like community centers,
senior centers, faith communities, parish nurses and the local
media to reduce the stigma of mental disorders and promote
local mental health resources.
Health Care
Implement policies and train health care providers to
provide appropriate mental health screening, education and
referrals.
Education
Develop and implement life skills programs to enhance
mental health.
Government
Ensure behavioral health is given parity with physical
health in policies and insurance coverage.
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