It s estimated that 6 percent of adults and 11 percent of children need mental health services. The rates are even higher among low-income populations. We now know that many mental illnesses are easily and successfully treated, particularly depression. Recent studies show that depression, the most prevalent disorder, may be particularly prevalent in low-income populations the very populations that are the target for these medically indigent funds. Without appropriate and early treatment, people with serious mental illnesses may face significant and, in some cases, avoidable disability leading to the eventual need to provide more expensive treatment in other settings such as hospitals and jails.
Mental illnesses have a significant impact on personal and social productivity.
They create tremendous burdens on society because of their early onset and severe disability if left untreated. Given the existence of effective and inexpensive treatments, the prevalence of these disorders, and the burdens they create on families and society, it is appropriate that the Fund invest in providing a more extensive behavioral health benefit that will provide early treatment. In the long run, that investment may save costs that would otherwise be paid by the county in other ways. Primary care settings are the first point and often the last point of contact for persons with mental illnesses seeking help. Given Hillsborough County s commendable record in providing primary health care services to the uninsured, extending these benefits to more fully cover behavioral health services would provide an accessible and appropriate setting in which these individuals may be served.