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 and includes direct quotes.  

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

• Over 61% of adults reported that they always or usually get needed social and emotional support (decrease) (WNC Health Network, 2024).
• 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 are work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Over 25% of adults reported having greater than seven days of poor mental health within the past month (increase) (WNC Health Network, 2024).
• Over 15% of adults have considered suicide in the past year (increase) (WNCHN, 2024).  
• Over 22% of adults were unable to get necessary mental health services in the past year (increase) (WNCHN, 2024).
• Difficulty accessing care, including cost and insurance, not having enough providers, getting appointments, and accessing services for children.  
• Stigma and shame
• Suicidal ideation rate
• Lack of affordable housing
• Lack of understanding of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.  
• Trauma-violence
• Lack of transportation
• Limited access to technology