Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Assessment

Community leaders from across many sectors in Springfield came together during a 15-month process to assess the needs, challenges and opportunities surrounding mental health and substance abuse in our community.

Along the way, a difficult reality emerged—Greene County’s suicide and depression rates were higher than state or national averages. We have fewer inpatient beds than national standards. And stigma was an often-cited barrier.

But significant progress has been made throughout the course of this assessment on these issues as well. Community partners stepped to the plate to increase access, lessen wait times and have tough discussions around what our community needed to be better.

On Friday, April 12, the community is invited to learn the results of the assessment, hear the opportunities for improvement moving forward, see the resources available and learn how to get involved. A press conference is scheduled at 9 a.m., followed immediately by a resource fair until 11 a.m. at the Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Dr.