Teton County Reports Prevalence of Alcohol Use
The Teton Behavioral Health Alliance, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, has released the 2024 report titled The State of Behavioral Health in Teton County, Wyoming: An Analysis of Community Perceptions. This report provides an in-depth look at the mental health challenges faced by residents in Teton County, with a focus on issues like access to care, insurance coverage, and the prevalence of alcohol use.
The report is based on data collected from the Community Behavioral Health Needs Survey and the Provider Survey, both conducted in early 2024. The surveys gathered input from people who live or work in Teton County to better understand their perceptions of mental health in the area. The findings indicate a growing need for mental health services, with more individuals reporting difficulties in accessing care. Key challenges identified include limited insurance coverage, difficulty accessing care for certain populations, and a high prevalence of alcohol use in the community.
“The findings from this report are valuable in driving collective action within our community,” said Kate Schelbe, Backbone Leader of the Teton Behavioral Health Alliance. “These insights will guide our aligned activities, allowing us to create a more cohesive and effective strategy for improving behavioral health care and access in our community.”
To discuss the findings and introduce the new Behavioral Health Dashboard, TBHA will host a town hall meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the Teton County Library’s Ordway Auditorium. The event is open to the public and can also be attended via Zoom. Spanish-language translation will be available.
Laurie Andrews, President of the Community Foundation, emphasized the importance of understanding the gaps in mental health care, noting that the challenges faced by Teton County are amplified by its rural location. The report and dashboard aim to help local organizations and stakeholders better allocate resources to address these issues.
The Behavioral Health report was prepared by Third Horizon Strategies.
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