Mental Health / Public News Service

Gov. Mike Parson chose not to sign or veto Senate Bill 751, allowing it to become law automatically. (M. Suhail/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

New Missouri law ensures medication access

Gov. Mike Parson recently announced Senate Bill 751 would become law, allowing Missourians to access essential medications within their communities …

Cherokee Health Systems serves East Tennessee and its surrounding counties through 19 health centers,<br />telehealth services and a mobile unit. (Cherokee Health Systems)<br />

East TN health centers' community gardens: More than fresh produce

In rural Tennessee, many residents lack access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food. So, two health center systems in the state are sprouting …

A staggering 421 Mississippians lost their lives to suicide in 2021, while an alarming 107,000 adults considered suicide. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe)

MS response rate to 988 crisis hotline reaches 98%

A health report by the non-profit group called "Inseparable" shows Mississippi's 988 crisis line has a 98% response rate. The report shows the role …

Health experts recommend people age 50 and older get a hearing test every five years. (Adobe Stock)

Hearing-aid use could reduce risks of dementia

Correcting hearing loss by using hearing aids is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia during aging…

In Colorado, more than 195,000 people work in agriculture across 38,900 farms and ranches. The industry supplies $47 billion to the state's economy annually. (Adobe Stock)

Addressing mental health needs of Colorado farming communities

In the past year, the Colorado AgrAbility Project added four behavioral health specialists to help the state's agricultural producers, workers and …

Experts say addiction treatment outcomes are much better when a health care provider speaks the language and understands the culture of the patient. (Adobe Stock)

Bilingual, multicultural staff needed for NJ addiction treatment

More than 85,000 people are admitted each year in New Jersey to treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction, and experts say language can be a …

About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

A new California law expands mental health access for youth insured through Medi-Cal, which should increase the number of therapists available to provide counseling. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

New law allows youth on Medi-Cal to consent to mental health treatment

A new law just took effect in California, giving children on Medi-Cal age 12 and older the right to consent to mental health care on their own…

Nearly 60% of Kentucky Medicaid beneficiaries reported a lack of reliable and affordable transportation as a barrier to receiving health care services, according to data from the University of Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Medicaid changes expand medical transportation access

Kentucky has made some changes to expand access to free transportation for people who need help getting to medical, dental and mental health …

Washington state lawmakers approved the long-term care program, WA Cares, in 2019. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Costs high for making WA long-term care program optional

A new analysis from Washington state shows passing an initiative making a long-term care benefit program optional could cost taxpayers millions…

Strong family bonds, safe schools and support from caring adults can all protect LGBTQIA+ youths from depression and suicidality, according to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. (Derrick)

Report: 988 lifeline provides robust support for mental health crisis in Tennessee

A mental health report in Tennessee revealed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. The report from the advocacy group Inseparable …

Mental health professionals said therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with mental health issues. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Financial strains create mental-health issues for AR ALICE population

By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publi…

Nationwide, 55% of U.S. mental health visits are remote, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (JPC-PROD/Adobe Stock)

New Mexicans invited to join virtual telehealth conference today

Until the pandemic, telehealth and telemedicine were still outliers in health care but they have gone mainstream, especially benefiting underserved …

A report by the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable showed one in five police shootings involve someone with a mental illness. (Adobe Stock)

Montana's mental health hotline addresses crises

A national mental health advocacy organization called Inseparable has released a report on the rollout of the 988 crisis line for people going through…

A report from the mental health organization Inseparable showed Georgia needs more than 575 more 23-hour crisis receiving chairs for shorter-term stays and evaluations to meet the state's needs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Georgia urgently needs better crisis response systems

Georgia needs to increase its crisis-response capacity for long-term success, according to a new report by the mental health policy group Inseparable…

The New Mexico Department of Health estimated 42% of Americans know someone who has died of drug overdose. (VictorMoussa/AdobeStock)

New Mexico expands opioid treatment options

Expanded treatment for opioid addiction is now available in New Mexico. The state's Department of Health is offering medication-assisted treatment …

Between 2019 and early 2021, the number of Medicaid telehealth visits increased 15-fold in five states the U.S. General Accounting Office selected and Medicare telehealth visits increased tenfold. (Westock/Adobe Stock)

Report: Keep some COVID-era telehealth 'flexibilities'; research quality, costs

Receiving medical services via telehealth was a requirement for some during the pandemic but has continued to grow in popularity since then. In …

The Black Swamp Conservancy has grown to protect more than 175 properties since 1997, covering more than 21,000 acres. (Linda/Adobe Stock)

Grants boost environmental education and restoration in Ohio

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $271,000 in grants for environmental education projects across the state. The programs will …

A $1 minimum wage increase could reduce suicides among those with a high school education or less by nearly 6%, according to a study funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (SpaceOak/Adobe Stock)

MI construction industry responds to high number of worker suicides

In response to an alarmingly high number of suicides among construction workers, Michigan's construction leaders have taken measures to tackle mental …

North Carolina has received more than 105,000 contacts to its 988 system via call, chat and text in the past 12 months. (Adobe Stock)

Improving crisis response in NC: A path to long-term success

North Carolina must increase its crisis response capacity for long-term success, according to a new report by the mental-health policy group …

Older adults, very young children and people with chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)

KY experts: Children, babies at higher risk for heat illness

Health experts are urging residents to stay hydrated and stay out of the sun during peak periods, especially during the heat wave that is gripping …

Colorado hospitals and clinics have reported sharply increased numbers of uninsured people seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado posted 2nd-highest loss of Medicaid coverage in nation in May

In May, Colorado ranked second in the nation for the percentage of residents dropped from Medicaid health insurance rolls - including 500,000 who …

Ohio House Bill 183 would also restrict students from using overnight accommodations with those of a different gender. (Andre/Adobe Stock)

Controversy continues over Ohio 'Bathroom Bill'

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Concerns of …

According to state data, the most common crisis that South Dakota's helpline responds to is suicide (23.5%), followed by anxiety (17.5%), family issues (16%), depression (14%) and substance use (10.4%). (Fergus Coyle, Adobe Stock)

SD health officials: 988 can handle a variety of crises

Since its rollout two years ago, South Dakota's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has seen a slow but steady uptick in use, but the state says there are …

Organizers says Providence Park, featuring

'Tiny Home' community in AR aims to combat homelessness

By Nathan Treece for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock Public Radio-Win…

Around 600 million people are released from state and federal prisons annually, with another 9 million people cycled through local jails. Many do not have access to health care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky to provide health coverage for people leaving incarceration

Kentucky is one of a handful of states recently approved to provide health insurance coverage to soon-to-be released incarcerated individuals…

Finn Does (center), summit co-chair, and other youth participants at the 2023 Bay Area Youth Climate Summit in San Francisco. (Finn Does)<br />

'Composting' our emotions: How climate action cultivates well-being

By Elizabeth Hewitt for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Alabama recently received a grant for certified community behavioral health clinics, which are expected to integrate mental health, substance use and primary care services under a new care model. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AL needs more support to increase access to crisis care

Alabama's crisis response needs some improvements to expand its coverage and effectiveness, according to a new report. The mental health policy …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget proposal includes $35 million to fund county mental-health programs, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and crisis walk-in centers. (Derrick/Adobe)

Report: PA excels in 988 response, falls short for workforce, capacity, funding

A mental health report in Pennsylvania showed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. However, it showed there is room for …

The 988 Lifeline accepts calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health or substance use crisis, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. (Adobe Stock)

AZ's mental health crisis system ensures response, but can improve accountability

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number provides an alternative to 911 for Arizonans experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency…

In addition to answering nearly 390,000 calls in May, counselors with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline responded to approximately 49,000 chats and 95,000 texts. (artitwpd/Adobe Stock)

Report: NE crisis response system needs bolstering

A new report gives Nebraska a positive review for its operation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline but identifies shortcomings in two crucial area…

Paying for Iowa's 988 mental-health crisis line

A national mental health advocacy organization called Inseparable has released a report on the rollout of the 988 crisis line for people going through…

Virginia is one of 10 states with legislation to sustain 988 funding through phone fees. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA needs help maintaining 988 staffing levels

A new report found Virginia's mental health crisis response can improve. The "A Better Response" report from the mental health advocacy organization …

A 2022 survey found half of adults in the United States said someone in their family had experienced a severe mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock/AI)

ND, other states see progress with 988 but report recommends additional steps

A new report looking at the rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline found a wide variance between states, with North Dakota included in the …

Typically, more than 80% of crisis calls are resolved on the phone, according to Inseparable. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV misses 32% of mental-health crisis calls

Nevada is among a handful of states to add a surcharge to all phone bills intended to help support the state's 988 mental health emergency hotline…

According to health policy site KFF, in May 2022, almost 33% of adults in Illinois reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, and nearly 33% did not receive counseling or therapy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental health crisis hotline ineffective

Addressing mental illness in America is a source of continued debate and a new report outlined areas in need of change. The study detailed the role …

According to the national organization Inseparable, Minnesota's 988 mental health crisis call line is within federal goals related to answer rates. (Adobe Stock)

MN part of deeper look into '988' crisis line effectiveness

A new report examined the rollout of the 988 mental health crisis line in each state, including Minnesota. The revamped National Suicide and Crisis …

Those tracking the rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline say a small percentage of calls so far have resulted in law enforcement involvement. (Adobe Stock)

Two years in, evaluating 988 in WI, other states

A new report examined the rollout of the 988 mental-health crisis line in each state, including Wisconsin. The revamped National Suicide and Crisis …

Services on 988 are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (Adobe Stock)

Report: UT answers 94% of mental health crisis calls

Two years since Congress designated the new 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a new report examined each states' progress and found Utah has …

A report from the nonprofit Inseparable calls for a 988 system that ensures individuals in a mental health emergency have someone to call, someone to respond to and a safe place to go for help. (Adobe Stock)

988 crisis lifeline marks 2nd anniversary of service

The country's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline system turns two years old this month and a new report outlined Missouri's implementation, calling for …

Between 2018 and 2021, more than 1 million kids visited hospital emergency departments due to mental health challenges. (Adobe Stock)

CT '988' hotline services rank high in national report

A new report showed Connecticut's 988 crisis lifeline services rank highly. The report is from Inseparable, a national mental health advocacy group…

New Mexico was the 15th state to expand access to community-based mental health and substance use crisis care through President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Mental health hotline helps thousands in New Mexico

Residents of Western states, including New Mexico, are at a high risk of suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but …

In a survey published in Oct. 2022, more than half of adults nationwide said someone in their family had experienced a severe mental health crisis. (SewcreamStudio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Michigan excels in '988' response, falls short on policies

A groundbreaking report found Michigan's performance in responding to 988 calls is strong but also highlighted areas for improvement in financing and …

A new report from the nonprofit Inseperable found in 2017, mental health and substance use disorder-related emergency department visits cost the U.S. more than $5.6 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY 988 services rank high, but can be improved

While New York's 988 services rank highly, a new report showed improvements can be made. The report found New York has an 88% response rate for 988 …

Congress allocated $1 billion for states to develop the 988 hotline amid growing concerns over worsening mental health. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN’s 988 success sets example but all states must improve crisis support

A new report gives Indiana high marks for its rollout of 988, a mental health crisis hotline, but also highlighted all states need to do more to …

With 988 available nationwide, it is up to states to ensure there are crisis services - 24/7 local crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization options - so 988 callers receive the help they need. (DedMityay/Adobe Stock)

Mental health advocates: AR lawmakers can do more to support 988 helpline

Mental health workers are urging lawmakers to draft bipartisan policies to expand access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service …

In 2017, mental health and substance use disorder emergency department visits in the U.S. cost more than $5.6 billion, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia taking steps to strengthen 988 crisis response system

More households, workplaces, and schools are struggling with mental health crises, and a new report by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable …

More than 90,000 people in New Hampshire live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals, according to NAMI New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

NH backs 988 mental health hotline with local resources

Two years since activation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a new report found New Hampshire could improve resources for the mental health …

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