The Need
Our organization proudly opened its first inpatient mental health unit at Methodist Medical Center in 1954, and we have served many young people in the last 70+ years. Each month an average of 60 children and adolescents are admitted for inpatient services. However, over approximately 2,600 children and adolescents were turned away over the last five years due to the lack of appropriate accommodations or resources. We never want to turn a family away because of our current limitations.
Need
We Face an Increasing
The vulnerable population will continue to grow, and we want to provide services to all who need them. Serious mental illness has affected or will affect 25% of all children aged 13-18, with many beginning to show symptoms as young as 14. This means that you likely know a child or adolescent affected by mental illness.
In 2019, the Community Health Needs Assessment reported over 30% of Tenth-grade students in Central Illinois reported consistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The same Community Health Needs Assessment concluded that mental health was the top health concern for Central Illinois. That statistic is prevalent within the region, and access to behavioral healthcare programs is the number one concern in our service area.
Growth Stunted
Treatment Delayed is
As we live through difficult and isolating times, our young people are more vulnerable than ever. The National Institute of Mental Health found that 40% of students with mental illness, aged 14 or older, will drop out of school. This will have lasting consequences in their life that could further exacerbate their condition. Suicide is, in fact, the number one cause of death for those aged 10-34. The sooner a child receives treatment, the sooner they can adapt, overcome, and flourish.
Getting the appropriate treatment at the right time is crucial for creating lasting progress. The average time between the onset of symptoms of mental illness and treatment is eleven years. In creating a centralized hub for treatment, we want to close that gap by offering a safe and resourceful facility that will encourage families to seek help.
Providing Solutions
To Those in Need
We wish to become a haven for those who need mental health care, but first, we need the resources to welcome more families. We're proud of what we have accomplished thus far, and we aim to build upon our success to serve our region and its children.
The young people of Central Illinois need mental health services, and the sooner we can act, the sooner they can be on the road to success.
