Project Summary:
The most recent data available through the Department of Health Services Suicide Dashboard (2022), indicates elevated rates of suicide among adult men, as well as rural residents. The Fox Cities Mind Your Wellness Survey (MYWS), designed by the Medical College of Wisconsin and first conducted in 2021, also revealed a correlation between income and mental health. Individuals with lower income were more likely to experience anxiety and depression; 54% of all respondents reported anxiety, and 68% experienced feelings of sadness or hopelessness almost daily. An alarming 33% indicated they are uncertain about how to access mental health care. This data underscores the need to address mental health concerns for adults, particularly men, in specific industries and rural residents.
In 2012, Samaritan pioneered a school-based mental health screening program for youth in response to a local teen suicide crisis. Since its inception, WS has screened over 40,500 students and made more than 11,900 recommendations to mental health care. Screening allows for early identification of potential concerns to minimize symptoms and improve treatment outcomes. Screening at school sites and by a third-party provider has allowed students to share sensitive information with a trained mental health professional in an environment that is familiar.
This project aims to build on the success of WS to develop an adult mental health screening program. During the project, we will target interested employers and specific industries in Calumet, Outagamie, & Winnebago counties. WS will develop a tool to identify potential mental health concerns and suicide risk for adults, as well as an appropriate follow-up interview procedure that will allow for immediate follow-up to assess suicide risk and mental wellness recommendations. Following the youth screening program, WS will provide recommendations for mental health resources and service providers to provide ongoing case management to support connections.
Community Partners: Foundations Health & Wholeness, NEW Mental Health Connection, NAMI Fox Valley, Stockbridge School District, US Venture, Oshkosh Corporation, National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), Boldt, Lawrence University