Along with the importance of physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing plays a significant role in overall health. On the one hand, when communities don’t serve residents’ mental health needs, the result can have a negative influence on homelessness, poverty, employment, safety, and the local economy. On the other hand, when mental health needs are met, individuals are in a better position to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make contributions to the community.

Although national surveys indicate that 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health problem during the year, most people with mental health difficulties get better, and many recover completely (SAMHSA). While efforts to prevent the factors that lead to mental illness are critical (such as reducing the effects of poverty, child maltreatment, violence, etc.), healthy communities should also have a web of services that support good mental health.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it is particularly important to note the role that local agencies play in suicide prevention efforts. In our area, both Roanoke City and Alleghany County have significantly higher rates of death due to suicide compared to rates across Virginia and the United States (County Health Rankings). Local community service boards’ efforts to address the issue include the Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley, part of Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, and Lock & Talk, founded by the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board in Covington and others. Additional local agencies providing suicide prevention counseling, case management, advocacy and education include:

• Family Services of Roanoke Valley
• SARA Roanoke Crisis Hotline (540-981-9352)
• Tudor House

Since 2022, a national three-digit phone number, 9-8-8, has served as a national suicide prevention lifeline to improve access to vital crisis services. People can call, text or chat 9-8-8 in English or Spanish around the clock to access trained crisis counselors who can help those experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, and/or a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. Individuals can also call 9-8-8 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Any community-based mental health services will also have a strong linkage to assess factors for substance abuse. While your local health department does not typically receive funds to be a direct provider of mental health or substance use counseling, we play a strong role in education, coordination of services, and providing naloxone for residents’ household first aid kits. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose without a prescription. As the Virginia Department of Health has ramped up substance use outreach and education, we are starting to see some results that our community-wide, evidence-based, harm reduction strategies are taking effect, but there’s still much to be improved.

Effective solutions to the crisis will only happen through collaboration across various government, legal, medical, and other community stakeholders. As public health servants, we will continue to partner with community-based professionals to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and reduce health disparities so that every resident receives the treatment they deserve and need.

• The first step for any individual is to recognize when you need more help and not feel embarrassed to seek support. If you are thinking about suicide, talking with a professional can help. Ready to make the call? A national helpline for treatment and referrals is available at 800-662-HELP.
• Blue Ridge Behavioral Health is offering several free Mental Health First Aid trainings this summer to teach participants how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.