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.

• Access to online mental health resources
• Local involvement of the area's Managed Care Organization
• Variety of community organizations
• 988 awareness

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

• Difficulty accessing care, including cost and insurance, getting an appointment, limited providers, services for children
• Stigma and shame
• Suicidal ideation rate
• Lack of access to basic needs, including affordable housing- over 42% of adults experience worries about paying their rent or mortgage (WNC Health Network, 2024).  
• Lack of understanding of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.  
• Trauma-violence
• Lack of transportation
• Limited access to technology