The "story behind the indicator" helps us understand why the data on the percent of adults reporting inability to get needed mental health care or counseling 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 find the right solutions, together.

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

• Partnerships between health, social service, and government sectors
• Family support services
• Mental health resource guides/lists
• Strong public school system and agencies supporting youth and children

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

• Capacity of behavioral/mental healthcare providers
• Staffing and staff turnover and behavioral healthcare agencies
• Long waitlists for outpatient therapy services
• COVID19 limited access to in-person services/care
• Lack of providers
• Transportation deficiencies
• Barriers to care from language and cultural differences