Marginalized racial groups in Ohio face major health care challenges including higher rates of suicide and overdose death than their white counterparts. The first report of a landmark behavioral health study in state, released today, finds a lack of available data to quantify the disparities in access to behavioral healthcare and its effects and seeks to remedy the problem.
“The first installment provides an overview of the issues. The second focuses on workforce, the third looks at treatment, and the fourth addresses funding,” said executive director of the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition Joan Englund in a statement. “The findings from each one will provide stakeholders with essential resources for building a stronger, more equitable behavioral healthcare system in Ohio.
“We want to ensure every Ohioan who needs mental health or substance use support is considered and has access,” said Tracy Maxwell Heard, executive director of the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence Inc. “And not just access, but access to care that provides the best chance for full recovery or the best possible outcome.