The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) recently released priority reports for each of the state’s five regions, highlighting concerns across the state, including depression, anxiety, heroin, and fentanyl.

According to the CDC, a large and growing body of research shows that depression and anxiety are associated with risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the state and throughout the country. 

While DMHAS priorities are similar across Connecticut, behavioral health needs vary across the state’s five regions, the reports shed light on the unique challenges identified in each region. 

In the Southwestern Region, including municipalities like Stamford, Greenwich, Westport, the Hub Behavioral Health (BH) Priority Report for 2023 identified increased access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services as a top priority. The report ranked depression as the top priority report for the region.

Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of integrating physical and mental health services to provide more holistic care for individuals. This approach has been shown to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

In Connecticut, over 30% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder and 55% of adults with mental illness go untreated within the state.

In Region two, which includes the greater New Haven area, the Alliance for Prevention & Wellness (APW) report, recommends expanding access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction and implementing harm reduction strategies.   

The Southeastern Regional Action Council (SERAC) report in Region Three highlighted the need for increased funding for mental health support in schools and communities, stating:

“Information also suggests that residents are concerned about mental health in their communities but may be uncomfortable discussing the issue. Increasing intensive outpatient mental health services for youth and children in eastern CT. [along with an] Increasing animal-assisted therapy options for supportive care service and training and presentations regarding trauma/PTSD to treatment providers.”

In Region Four, which included Hartford and surrounding communities, the Amplify priority report emphasized the importance of integrating mental health and substance abuse treatment services to provide comprehensive care for individuals with co-occurring disorders. The region also prioritized initiatives aimed at reducing overdose deaths and improving access to recovery support services.

“This is a community that is committed to making it easier for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction to maintain their sobriety. In 2021-2022, 13 region 4 communities were awarded mini grants to provide education about the dangers of Opioid misuse and use of NARCAN to reverse an overdose.”

Region Five’s Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCTC) report identified the need for enhanced mental health services for children and adolescents, as well as increased support for individuals with severe mental illness.  

“The percentage reporting past year major depressive episode was highest among youth aged 12-17 (20.42%), and slightly lower among youth adults aged 18-25 (18.93%). Key informants in Region 5 were asked about mental health issues of the greatest concern for different age groups. According to those surveyed, anxiety was the prominent concern for young people aged 12-17 (69%) and decreased with age.” 

Research has found mental illness is a risk for suicide and that close to half of all people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. 

Health organizations utilize the data and statistics obtained in these bi-yearly interim reports to update the DMHAS Mental Health Block Grant and DMHAS budgeting process. This process involves assessing the behavioral needs and prioritizing recommendations for prevention, treatment, and recovery services for the respective regions, as well as determining the necessary funds for assistance to ask for in budgeting requests. 

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