Mental Health

For decades, the CDC has promoted mental health wellness as a public health goal. Mental illness is a major contributor to the overall health burden in our populations, and can influence the onset and outcomes of a variety of other diseases and illnesses. Too often, poor mental health correlates to substance use, as well as diminished physical activity and depression. Since the majority of people suffering from mental illness do not seek or receive treatment, the challenges of identifying risk factors, increasing awareness, and steering people toward stigma-free treatment falls upon the public health sector. Local public health departments must work to eliminate health disparities and stigma, open the access-to-treatment pathway, and collaborate with partners to develop and promote mental health wellbeing.

The materials in this chapter are a starting point for local health departments to identify community resources and implement a plan for improved access to expanded mental health services.