Addressing Mental Health Needs in Our Community

Our Behavioral Health Work Group uses a community-driven and collaborative approach to address mental health needs in Washington County.

We work closely with:

Together, we develop solutions that improve access to evidence-based mental health services and supports.

Our goals are to:

Why Behavioral Health Matters

Mental health affects every part of daily life, including:

In Washington County, many people face serious mental health challenges. Like other parts of Rhode Island and the United States, many residents struggle to find and receive the care they need.

Challenges in Washington County

Washington County is designated as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). This means there are not enough providers to meet community needs.

As a result, many residents experience:

Impact on Children and Families

This can lead to:

Moving Forward

Improving access to mental health care is essential to building a healthier community. HBHM works with partners and residents to expand services, reduce barriers, and support people in getting the care they need.

The Data

The-Data-as-an-Infographic

These following numbers reflect more than just statistics. They reflect a growing crisis and the real, urgent need for our neighbors, friends, and families, but they also guide our efforts to create a more supportive, responsive behavioral health system for all.

Behavioral Health and Substance Use in Washington County

Nearly 1 in 5 adults in Washington County report ever being diagnosed with a depressive disorder. This rate is higher than the national average.

Youth Mental Health

The percentage of youths reporting they have attempted suicide:

High school students report nearly double the rate compared to middle school students.

Adult Mental Health

The rate of mental and behavioral health disorders in adults has Increased by four or more percentage points over the past six years.

Mental Health Equity

Black, non-Hispanic residents experience double the hospitalization rate for mental health compared to White, non-Hispanic residents.

Substance Use and Prescription Drug Misuse

4.5% report non-medical use of pain relievers

Treatment Gap

81% of people who need addiction treatment are not receiving it.

Hospitalizations

Drug-Related Deaths

The drug-induced death rate is 2 times higher than the Healthy People 2020 goal.

Alcohol-Related Harm

Washington County has the highest rate in Rhode Island for:

Newborn Health

Washington County has the highest rate in Rhode Island of newborns diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

Our Strategic Approach

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds (HBHM) leads a multi-year, county-wide effort to improve behavioral health services in Washington County.

Our goal is to build a system where everyone has access to the care and support they need.

Community-Guided Planning

Our work is guided by a 3-Year Action Plan. This plan is developed with input from:

This approach helps ensure our work reflects real community needs.

Our Focus

We are committed to creating a recovery-oriented system of care, which means:

Our Commitment

HBHM works to create a coordinated system of care that is:

The Plan in Action

Through four key focus areas, HBHM is working to build a healthier and more resilient community.

We partner with:

Together, we are improving how behavioral health services are delivered in Washington County.

2024 Impact Summary

View our 2024 Impact Summary for a full report. Highlights include:

Community-Based Mental Health Initiatives

HBHM partners with local organizations to offer evidence-based programs, including:

These programs help residents:

Washington County has faced serious challenges, including a 20% increase in suicide rates between 2013 and 2015 and the highest suicide rate in Rhode Island.

In response, a county-wide prevention effort was launched. As part of this work:

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention

HBHM supports programs that provide timely care and reduce reliance on the criminal justice system.

Zero Suicide Initiative

HBHM works with hospitals, community health centers, and residents to:

In 2023:

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training

CIT training helps law enforcement respond to mental health crises safely and effectively.

Results include:

Additional impact:

By diverting individuals to treatment instead of incarceration:

CIT programs have since expanded statewide through collaborative efforts.

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Care

Washington County faces a shortage of mental health providers. To address this, HBHM works with partners to improve access to care and reduce pressure on emergency departments.

Key strategies include:

Results include:

For a deeper look at our efforts and impact, explore our full reports and supporting documents:

PDF Accessibility

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds (HBHM), a program of Wood River Health, is committed to providing content that is accessible to all users.

Some PDFs may not be fully accessible. If you need assistance or an alternative format, please contact us at Kristen.Frady@WoodRiverHealth.org.