UNITED TO IMPROVE THE MENTAL HEALTH
OF CHIPPEWA VALLEY RESIDENTS
Mental health is an important part of overall health, including our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we think, feel and act, as well as how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. The number of people worldwide diagnosed with mental illness has been increasing during the past decade. In the United States, it is estimated that 20% to 25% of adults are affected by mental illness.
WHY IT MATTERS
- 1 in 5 Americans are affected by mental illness.
- Mental Health was ranked the #1 health concern in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties in the 2021 Community Health Assessment.
WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE
Mental Health of Chippewa Valley residents will improve by utilizing prevention and intervention programs.
KEY TACTICS
Support of programming that use strategies such as: identifying supportive relationships, utilizing effective coping skills, decreasing or abstaining from risky behaviors and developing effective safety plans.
These strategies are implemented through prevention and intervention programs such as: mentoring, physical wellness programs, counseling, free clinic mental health services and prescription administration, school based mental health and domestic violence programming.
Local health partners began performing the Community Health Assessments for Chippewa and Eau Claire counties this past fall. This process involved conducting a Community Health Survey; reviewing secondary data (local, state, and national health comparisons); holding virtual Community Conversations; and meeting with local health coalitions (Chippewa Health Improvement Partnership and Eau Claire Healthy Communities). The results will be used to develop Community Health Improvement Plans for each county, and these plans will be used to drive local health improvement efforts over the next three years (until the next Community Health Assessment).