HEALTH CARE Montgomery County creates outline for navigating behavioral health issues
TAKING ACTION
Next steps Tri-County Behavioral Health was also a partner in the study. Tri-County is a unit of local government sponsored by Montgomery County to help serve those with mental health issues. Executive Director Evan Roberson said the data from the study will help behavioral health clinics, such as Tri-County, draw in new funds. “With these ndings, we can apply for grants and say, ‘This is important in Montgomery County,’” he said. “‘This is where we want to see our dollars focused.’” Now that the needs of the county are appar- ent, Roberson said Tri-County can begin to help create solutions. Tri-County recently reopened the Crisis Stabili- zation Unit in Conroe on June 18, which provides short-term residential treatment for up to 16 adults in a secure and protected treatment environment. Roberson said reopening the crisis unit was an important step to bring accessible behavioral health resources to Montgomery County. “It’s going to take all of us,” he said. “We’re here as a signi cant provider of mental health services, ... but we are just a provider. We can’t do it all.” The full results of the gap analysis study are available at www.communityhelp.org. Four action teams were created from the gap analysis to focus on the top priorities in behavioral health needs in Montgomery County. Law enforcement & treatment resources Improve collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health treatment. Community awareness & education Collect data on health challenges and address those needs through outreach and education. Peer support groups & space Focus on increasing the number and size of peer support groups and one-on-one peer services. Increase housing options Create a blueprint to fund and increase inclusive housing options. SOURCES: GATHERING FOR ACTION: MONTGOMERY COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, JUDGE WAYNE MACK, EVAN ROBERSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
health resources against its future needs. “The need in our community is tremendous,” he said. “But what gives me hope is that even though the need is very daunting, the gap analysis shows us that there is a path for a healthier outcome for our entire community.” Local challenges According to the analysis—which was shared publicly in June—the three most prevalent behav- ioral health issues in Montgomery County consist of mental health challenges among children and adolescents, which 52.2% of respondents identi ed as a concern; suicide prevention among children and adolescents, which 47.8% of those surveyed cited; and co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges, cited by 47.8% of those surveyed. The National Alliance on Mental Health Illnesses reported in 2021 that over 3.3 million adults in Texas had a mental health condition; 3,390 died by suicide; and 17 million adults experienced both mental illness and a substance abuse disorder at the same time. “You can see the signs with physical ailments, but being able to recognize the symptoms of a mental health issue is critical,” Mack said. “I believe every suicide is preventable if the right systems are in place.” By studying the analysis results, Mack said partners in Montgomery County were able to create four action groups to begin addressing those signi cant concerns. The four groups consist of law enforcement and treatment; community awareness and education; peer support; and housing. The action groups consist of volunteers ranging from city leaders and health care experts to nonpro t representatives and citizens. “The key is what we’ve known from the begin- ning: collaboration,” Mack said. “It has to be a community response.”
Health care and government leaders in Montgom- ery County nalized a 2022 analysis studying behav- ioral health needs in the community in February. The study’s main task was to identify the most essential issues where the county needs to make progress in behavioral health. Judge Wayne Mack, founder of the task force for the study, said the analysis was essential in creating an outline for navigating the county’s behavioral
ESSENTIAL NEEDS
The gap analysis asked 184 residents what issues are essential for Montgomery County to make progress on over the next three years. Percentage of study respondents citing issues
52.2% Signi cant mental health challenges among children and adults
47.8% Suicide prevention among children and adolescents
47.8% Co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges
37.9% Substance use and addiction challenges
37.9% Behavioral health workforce shortage
36.8% Mental health, trauma and children
SOURCE: GATHERING FOR ACTION: MONTGOMERY COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMUNITY IMPACT
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2023
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