The "Story Behind the Indicator" helps us understand why the data on is the way that it is in our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.  This section features input from the 2025 priority-setting meeting, including direct quotes.  

What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community. 

• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Medicaid expansion
• Reducing stigma campaign
• Local involvement of the area's Managed Care Organization
• Variety of community organizations

What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Mental health challenges increase impact of substance use and decrease access to basic needs
• Flood aftermath and loss of life/property
• Poverty
• Pain
• Adverse Childhood Experiences/Trauma
• Generational domestic violence patterns
• Stigma
• Lack of long-term rehab facilities
• Lack of supportive housing
• Lack of child/youth programs
• Many residents lack adequate housing, living-wage employment, and health insurance, making it difficult to achieve and sustain recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.  Over 18% of adults reported not having healthcare insurance coverage (decrease) (WNC Health Network, 2024).   
• Nearly 15% of adult residents reported experiencing fair or poor health (decrease) (WNCHN, 2024).