Marion S. Greene, Clinical Assistant Professor | Indiana University
Marion S. Greene, Clinical Assistant Professor | Indiana University
For the first time, researchers have assessed the mental health needs and service gaps in Marion County, Indiana. A study by Indiana University found that in 2022, 66 percent of residents requiring treatment for serious mental illness did not receive it, affecting nearly 26,000 individuals. The findings are detailed in the "Community Mental Health Needs Assessment Report for Marion County."
"This can often be a difficult population to reach," stated Marion Greene, assistant professor at the Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University Indianapolis. She highlighted the challenges faced by community mental health centers due to limited resources.
The report identifies vulnerable groups including the LGBTQ+ community, incarcerated individuals, those experiencing housing instability or homelessness, and communities of color. Barriers to accessing care include workforce shortages, system complexity, and lack of transportation or internet access.
Data from local mental health centers and national agencies revealed significant figures: over 58,000 adults with substance use disorders; over 163,000 with some form of mental illness; over 39,000 with serious mental illness; nearly 41,000 with suicidal thoughts; nearly 14,000 who made suicide plans; and over 5,000 who attempted suicide.
Interviews with stakeholders led to five recommendations: sustainable funding for mental health centers; investment in workforce development; increased access to services; opportunities for cross-sector coordination; and stigma reduction.
"Our recommendations address the gaps in service that prevent Marion County residents from receiving the mental health care that they need," Greene emphasized. She noted that more funding is essential for improvement.
The Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1 in spring 2023 focusing on emergency health funding but allocated about half of the proposed budget. "In public health, we work to reduce barriers to accessing care," Greene said. "When one in five Hoosiers are affected by some mental illness...we need more funding for our mental health system in Marion County."
Alerts Sign-up