Communities are suffering a behavioral health crisis. Depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health problems are complicated and may have multiple underlying causes. Too often, suicide can become the worst outcome of mental health and substance use issues. One fact is certain – it’s imperative that community organizations such as local hospitals, churches, youth organizations, towns, and cities help their members through difficult times.

When treatment is focused only on the later stages of a behavioral health illness or substance use, it can become costly not only to the individual, but also to the community at large. Early intervention can prevent the potentially devastating effects including: unemployment, homelessness, poverty, and suicide. Community organizations can play a major role in shaping the overall health and wellness of their members by increasing access to reliable information.