COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Behavioral Health Improvement Plan

Pierce County’s rate of individuals with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in 2019 was 24% higher than the state average (2019 Pierce County Needs Assessment).

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) suggests that 47 child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 is required to meet US community mental health needs. In 2018, Pierce county had 6.5 child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAAP) as compared to Washington state which had 10 per 100,000.

According to the most recent Healthy Youth Survey (2018), Pierce County youth reported receiving less education about suicide than the state average and one in five sixth graders in Pierce County seriously

considered suicide in the last year.

Between 2015 and 2018, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Emergency Department saw a 400% increase in children presenting to the emergency room with primary behavioral health needs (Mary Bridge Hospital).

Community education efforts are key to an effective behavioral health system. Efforts to decrease stigma around behavioral health increase the likelihood that families and individuals will reach out for help. At the same time, increasing community awareness of mental health and SUD resources ensures people will know where to turn when help is needed.

While there are several evidence-based approaches to increasing community education around behavioral health, few programs receive long-term funding. Examples of previously funded programs include Mental Health First Aid and the Prevent-Avert-Response (PAR) initiative for suicide prevention. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also provides community education and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.