Behavioral Health

Some facts about behavioral health in rural Virginia:

• There are 68 counties/cities defined as 'rural' by the Virginia State Rural Health Plan. Of those 68, 48 have been designated as full Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
• 15 of the 24 counties with a prescription drug over-dose rate of 10 or higher (per 100,000 population).
• The adult suicide rate is 15.4 in rural areas vs. 9.6 in urban areas (per 100,000 population).
• The youth suicide rate is 8.8 in rural areas vs. 6.7 in urban areas (per 100,000 population).

Nationwide:

• Rural substance abuse treatment admissions were more likely than urban substance abuse treatment admissions to be referred to treatment by the criminal justice system (47% vs. 35%).
• Rural admissions were younger, on average, than urban admissions (32 vs. 34 years old).

What do we need to do to make sure the brain receives the same attention as the rest of the body? Get your seat at the table! Help VRHA develop a strategic plan for rural behavioral health advocacy by attending the Behavioral Health discussion.

Moderator: Jim Werth

Panelists:

Bill McFeature, PhD       
Director, Integrative Behavioral Health Care Services     
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, Inc.

Sally Pennings
Family Nurse Practitioner
Southwest VA Health Care Systems, Inc.

Catherine Hancock         
Behavioral Health Policy Analyst               
Va. Dept. of Medical Assistance Services

Day 1 - defining the issues

On the first day, participants had the opportunity to hear a panel discussion on each topic, but the focus was on sharing of information ideas and concerns.  They panelists only had a few minutes to speak, and then the participants were lead in a facilitated discussion to help them identify the top two issues on each topic. 

Day 2- finding solutions

While the first day identified issues, the second day was all about finding solutions.   Each of the top issues from the previous day was given its own discussion table.  Participants were asked to rotate between tables and asked a series of questions so that the issues may be considered from a variety of perspectives which would lead to constructive solutions.