Resources
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds of Washington County, Rhode Island (HBHMWCRI) is continuously thinking about how to improve health and well-being in Washington County. We have developed a data-informed and evidence-based strategic plan and compiled a library of data studies and resources.
ACTION PLAN FOR TRANSFORMING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Solutions for Promoting Resilience, Recovery, and Well-being
Washington County faces significant mental health challenges. Only one-third of children receive the mental health evaluations they need. Many children and adults can’t access needed mental health care. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds has set for a multi-year strategic plan to repair a broken behavioral health system
Long before COVID-19 hit, mental health services and support have been inadequate in Washington County. Our children, friends, and neighbors continue to flood local emergency rooms in crisis in increasing numbers.
This plan prioritizes the voices of families in developing strategies and solutions. It is grounded in data but driven by the wisdom of people who have lived through the experiences of mental health challenges.
You can access the main report and supporting documents here:
Integrated Needs Assessment 3-4-20, the key backup information that feeds the plan
System Gaps, Priority Areas, and Strategies: A two-chart file that shows 1) the gaps in the existing behavioral services system and 2) a proposed model that provides comprehensive preventive and responsive services
Washington County Focus Group Report is a powerful group of consumers and families who speak about their personal experiences with Washington County’s mental health system.
YouTube video announcing the project, with supportive material
Public involvement is always welcome. Find out what you can do. Contact us.
We welcome your input and engagement. “Please feel free to get in touch with us by using the ‘Contact Us‘ form on our website. We value your feedback and suggestions.”
THE PLAN AT A GLANCE
Mental Health
HBHM embarks on a 3-year strategic plan to repair broken behavioral health system
“Long before COVID-19 hit, mental health services and supports have been inadequate in Washington County,” HBHMWCRI Director Susan Orban points out. “Our children, friends, and neighbors continue to flood local emergency rooms in crisis, in increasing numbers.”
In response, Orban says, HBHM spent the past two years developing a new 3-year action plan to address the crisis.
“Most important, we prioritized the voices of consumers and their family members in developing strategies and solutions. It was a data-driven process, but driven by the wisdom of people who have lived through the experiences of mental health challenges.”
You can access the main report and supporting documents here:
- Full report
- The plan at a glance
- Integrated Needs Assessment 3-4-20, the key backup information that feeds the plan
- System Gaps, Priority Areas, and Strategies: A two-chart file that shows 1) the gaps in the existing behavioral services system and 2) a proposed model that provides comprehensive preventive and responsive services
- Washington County Focus Group Report, a powerful group of consumers and families speak about their personal experiences with Washington County’s mental health system
- YouTube video announcing the project, with supportive material
- 2024 HEZ Impact Summary highlights successes across all RI HEZs
One of 3 children nationally getting mental health services they need
Nationally, only 1/3 of children get the mental health evaluations and services they need.
In South County, on average, 22.7% of high schoolers reported having signs and/or symptoms of depression. And on average, 8.9% reported having suicidal thoughts.
(SurveyWorks! 2013-2014 High School Reports as listed on infoworks.ride.ri.gov)
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Our Needs Assessment began in early January and concluded three months later, with the data finalized in June 2024. This assessment includes several files: one offering an overview of Washington County as a whole and segmenting it into five distinct subsections. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis comparing outcomes between white and non-white populations, revealing notable differences in the data. We appreciate the participation of Washington County residents and look forward to utilizing this data to enhance community support initiatives.
South County Needs Assessment Report
South County Needs Assessment Report By Town
South County Needs Assessment Report Identify as Non-White and White
