Why Is This Important?
Behavioral health is often used as an umbrella term, and refers to mental, behavioral or addictive disorders. It includes not only promotion of well-being, but also includes prevention and intervention in substance abuse or other addictions. When asked to identify health concerns other than chronic disease survey respondents identified mental health as a priority (53.2%). When combined with drug/substance abuse, the behavioral health priority area was deemed absolutely essential to creating a healthier community. By educating community partners on early identification of behavioral health conditions, increasing awareness of public health behavioral services and decreasing the number of tobacco-using Macomb County residents, behavioral health improvement will be brought to the forefront of health priority in Macomb County.