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Spotlight on Kansans’ Mental Health
Written by Eric Litwiller MHA Director of Development and Communications
Stepping up Our Mental Health Game
The most recent annual State of Mental Health Report shows Kansas to be dead last in the country — 51 out of 51 including the District of Columbia — in mental health in the United States.
The report is a comprehensive measure of criteria including health insurance that covers mental health care, the number of clinicians per capita, increases in mental illnesses across all age groups, and much more. And while it is a sad commentary for our state, it serves as a vital reminder that whatever has been happening to provide care clearly isn’t working.
A variety of explanations have been offered. “Well, it’s because we’re a rural state!” So are Vermont, Montana and Alabama. And they all scored higher. “It’s because of healthcare spending per capita!” Utah, Arizona and North Carolina all spend less and still rank higher. Mental Health Association (MHA) continues to work with elected officials on both the state and national level to remove bottlenecks to care, but this may be one of those situations where the limitations of public policy simply don’t provide the answers, and the reliance on our private partnerships will need to take center stage.
Companies are realizing more and more how the lack of healthcare for their employees hits their bottom-line productivity. Every employee you have in every company and every industry — myself included — costs you $7,000 every single year. Multiply that number by the size of your payroll or the number of employees on your team or in your department, and then decide whether or not you can afford to step up to help. And it’s not just money. Time, talent and treasure are all needed every day. Vehicles to transport our clients to medical appointments. Roofs to protect our veteran’s housing. Marketing firms to help us raise awareness of the issue. All investment can be used, and all of it makes Wichita a better place to live, earn, learn, play and pray.
To offer your support or to speak with someone at MHA about how we can serve your family or company, call 316.651.1241 or visit mhasck.org.
