February 12, 2012

You are here: Home / Archives for Department of Mental Health

Jefferson City hosts State Suicide Prevention Conference

July 30, 2009 By

The State Department of Mental Health is hosting a two-day State Suicide Prevention Conference in Jefferson City. It includes workshops and feature presentations from professionals, family members, and suicide survivors.

The Mental Health Department’s Bob Bax points out suicide is a serious public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities.

"In 2007, there were 810 suicides in Missouri," said Bax in an interview with the Missourinet. "Another perspective on that would be that’s an average of one suicide every 10 hours and 49 minutes."

Many Missourians might not realize how high a number that is in comparison to other causes of death.

"Suicide kills more people in Missouri than drunk driving does, than AIDS does, or homicide," said Bax. "So, it has a far-reaching impact."

A major cause of suicide is depression – a topic that is being discussed, in great detail, at this gathering.

"Some of the workshops and presentations at this conference will deal with just that," said Bax. "What are some of the warning signs? And, then, if you have an indication someone may be at risk for suicide, what do you do?"

Several state agencies and departments are taking part, as are county health agencies, school districts, and some faith-based organizations. 

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government Tagged With:

Economy has more seeking mental health services

March 17, 2009 By

The faltering economy has more people seeking mental health services.

The stories have sprinkled the national news: People killing themselves and sometimes their families over financial woes.

Laine Young-Walker, Associate Medical Director of the Department of Mental Health, says she’s not surprised. She says when people are hopeless they don’t think appropriately or logically.

Young-Walker says says the economic decline adds to people not getting the help they need, because some of them can’t even afford to get to a doctor.

Financial stress can lead to a multitude of mental issues that materialize into substance abuse, domestic abuse and more. Laine-Walker, who specializes in child psychology, says children, too, can be victims of economy anxiety. When parents lose their jobs or have to move, they might be shifted into new surroundings, new schools, have to make new friends, and that it really affects everyone in the family’s physical and mental health.

Because Missouri has a noted shortage of psychiatrists, who can prescribe medication, the increase in demand for services is complicating an already stressed system. The legislature is considering a bill that would allow psychologists with certain certifications to prescribe medicine, meaning some patients wouldn’t have to wait months to see a psychiatrist. Proponents of the bill say some other states as well as the military have already successfully implemented that system, and that it would ultimately save thousands of lives.

Young-Walker says all Missouri counties have a community mental health center. She says those who need mental health services but don’t know where to turn can get a crisis appointment there, usually on the same day. She says the Department of Mental Health can also provide many resources.

To find a mental health center in your area, visit The Missouri Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers.

Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]

Filed Under: Economy, Health & Medicine Tagged With:

Mental health advocates ask lawmakers to spare services

January 4, 2009 By

Advocates for the mentally ill are pleading with state lawmakers not to automatically consider budget cuts to the Mental Health Department to cope with declining state revenues.

Everyone seems acutely aware of the state of the economy, but perhaps none more than those appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee recently.

Mary Sullivan is with the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services.

"We have recognized the difficult situation that everyone’s in with the national and state economy," Sullivan told the committee, "But (we) find it critical that we continue to support Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens."

Sullivan has urged senators to protect the health and safety of the mentally ill.

Kathy Brown represents 13 organizations as part of the Congress on Disabilities and apologizes to senators for voicing needs during difficult economic times.

"I wish that we had a shorter, short list of policy priorities," Brown said during her testimony before the committee, "The list seems sort of long, but the reality is that there are significant needs that people with disabilities have in the community."

The legislature returns to the Capitol this year. The state budget tops everyone’s priority list.

Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Politics & Government Tagged With:

For some Missourians Christmas cheer gives way to holiday stress

December 24, 2008 By

The Christmas season and the New Year just around the corner might be a time of joy and happiness for many Missourians, but for some this is a time of tremendous stress.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health is urging families, friends, and co-workers to support each other during the holiday period. The Department’s Bob Bax says the demands of the season often add to stress that already exists in the lives of many Missourians.

Bax says that while the natural support systems like families and friends can work for those dealing with holiday-related stress, there are resources available for people who might be at greater risk and in need of serious help. The Suicide Prevention Hotline, for instance, is manned 24 hours a day at 800-273-TALK.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine Tagged With:

Plea is made for sparing drug courts the budget ax

December 24, 2008 By

State budget cuts are coming. How harsh they will be is yet to be known.

The state legislature will begin reviewing the budget immediately upon convening next year for the legislative session. Some review has already taken place. The Senate Appropriations Committee has been taking testimony in an effort to get a jump start on next year. Along with the state officials and social workers testifying before the committee were two self-proclaimed recovering alcoholics to pleaded with the committee not to cut the state drug court and treatment system.

Matt Brozovich of St. James says alcoholism led him to steal $10,000 from his employer. He turned himself in and entered drug court, which he says changed his life. Brozovich now is in his fourth year of sobriety. He tells the committee that without the drug court system he would be incarcerated or dead.

Similar testimony comes from Jackie Johnson of Jefferson City, 27 years without a drink or hit. She says she now is a productive member of society who prizes her family above all.

Both tell committee members that funding drug courts and treatment centers is cheaper than paying for the social costs of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Legislature, Politics & Government Tagged With:
« Older Posts