Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse: The Impact of Public Policies in Akron, OH

As an expert in the field of mental health and substance abuse, I have closely observed the public policies in Akron, OH and their impact on addressing these pressing issues. The city of Akron, located in the state of Ohio, has a population of over 197,000 people and like many other cities in the United States, it is facing a growing problem of mental health and substance abuse.

The Prevalence of Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Akron

Mental health and substance abuse are two interconnected issues that have been on the rise in Akron. According to a report by the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADM Board), there were over 10,000 admissions for substance abuse treatment in Summit County, where Akron is located, in 2019 alone. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, highlighting the urgent need for effective public policies to address these issues. In addition to substance abuse, mental health disorders are also prevalent in Akron.

The ADM Board report states that over 20% of adults in Summit County have experienced some form of mental illness. This includes conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Furthermore, the report also highlights that suicide rates have been on the rise in Summit County, with an average of one suicide every four days.

The Role of Public Policies

Public policies play a crucial role in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in any community. In Akron, there are several policies in place that aim to tackle these problems and provide support to those affected.

Akron's Mental Health Court:

One notable policy is the Mental Health Court established by the Akron Municipal Court.

This court is specifically designed to handle cases involving individuals with mental health disorders who have committed non-violent crimes. The goal of this court is to provide treatment and support to these individuals rather than punishment, with the aim of reducing recidivism rates and promoting recovery.

Summit County Opiate Task Force:

Another important policy is the Summit County Opiate Task Force, which was formed in 2014 to address the growing opioid epidemic in the county. This task force brings together various stakeholders, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to develop strategies and initiatives to combat substance abuse and provide support to those affected.

ADM Board's Strategic Plan:

The ADM Board also has a strategic plan in place that outlines their goals and objectives for addressing mental health and substance abuse in Summit County. This plan includes initiatives such as increasing access to treatment, promoting prevention and early intervention, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse.

The Impact of Public Policies

The public policies in Akron have had a significant impact on addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in the city.

One of the most notable impacts is the decrease in opioid-related deaths in Summit County. According to the ADM Board's report, there was a 31% decrease in opioid-related deaths from 2017 to 2019. This can be attributed to the efforts of the Summit County Opiate Task Force and other policies aimed at combating substance abuse. In addition, the Mental Health Court has also shown promising results. According to a study by the University of Akron, participants in the Mental Health Court had lower recidivism rates compared to those who went through traditional court processes. This highlights the effectiveness of this policy in promoting recovery and reducing repeat offenses.

Challenges and Future Steps

While the public policies in Akron have made significant progress in addressing mental health and substance abuse, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.

One of the main challenges is the lack of resources and funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment. This is a common issue faced by many communities, and it hinders the implementation of effective policies. Furthermore, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. This highlights the need for continued efforts to raise awareness and educate the community about these issues. In the future, it is crucial for public policies in Akron to focus on increasing access to treatment and support for those affected by mental health and substance abuse. This includes addressing the underlying causes of these issues, such as poverty and trauma, and providing resources for prevention and early intervention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, public policies in Akron, OH play a vital role in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in the city.

These policies have shown promising results in reducing opioid-related deaths and promoting recovery. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, and it is crucial for continued efforts to be made to provide support and resources for those affected by these issues.