If we are successful in fully achieving this result, we envision Avery County where….

• All people are happy and healthy.
• People are thriving in a healthy environment all day long.
• People have access to mental health care, for themselves and family members.

Why is this important?

• 20% of survey respondents reported 7+ days of poor mental health in the past month
• The county suicide mortality rate is 28% higher than NC and rose 3% since 2012-2016.
• 16% of survey respondents were currently taking medications or receiving treatment for mental health issues.
• 20% of respondents indicated a time in the past year when they needed mental health care or counseling but could not get it.
• The domestic violence shelter in Avery County served 124 clients in the FY2019-2020 and the shelter was full on 250 days out of the year. 

Good mental health is more than just the absence of individual mental illness or distress.  The social, environmental, systemic, and economic factors of the community we live in and interact with significantly contribute to mental well-being and resilience.   Evidence also provides a strong cause and effect relationship between mental health and physical health, and the relationship between mental health and community factors goes beyond individuals. When a community fosters good mental health, it is rewarded with healthy youth, families, schools, workforce, and economy.