jpierson@newsandsentinel.com
Mental and behavioral health disorders present real and palpable issues for children as they grow and develop.
In the time of the coronavirus, some of these struggles have become more pronounced.
The Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition and the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio recently released a first-of-its-kind comprehensive report that looked into the demographics, resources and rates of behavioral health issues for youth in all 88 counties in Ohio, while also highlighting key progress and unmet needs.
According to 2020 data from Mental Health America, 48.6 percent of youth in the state of Ohio who have a major depressive episode do not receive any mental health services.
Public health week is celebrated April 5 through April 11.
In the midst of the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes, it’s more important than ever to celebrate public health. Saturday April 10 of public health week is dedicated to uplifting mental health and wellness. We want this article to celebrate the partnership between the Marietta/Belpre Health Department, the Washington County Health Department, and the Washington County Behavioral Health Board.
Mental health is a critical component of public health
Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics.
Roy Dale Greathouse, Tier III sex offender
On Wednesday an affidavit was filed in Marietta Municipal Court representing 44 complainants, residents in Marietta’s Third Ward, who allege criminal behavior committed by the owner of 1099 Colegate Drive (the former location of North Hills School).
The affidavit alleges retaliation following the loss of a sale deal to Life and Purpose Behavioral Health for the former school site in 2020.
According to Municipal Judge Janet Dyar Welch’s order entry dated Wednesday and timestamped 9:36 a.m. by her clerk, the municipal court has accepted the citizen complaint for criminal charges “for probable cause review for a summons.”
By the numbers:
¯ On average, there are 433,648 victims of rape and sexual assault each year in the U.S.
¯ Ages 12-34 are the highest risk years for rape and sexual assault.
¯ Those aged 65 and older are 92 percent less likely than 12-24 year olds to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.
¯ Those aged 65 and older are 83 percent less likely than 25-49 year olds.
Source: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Despite the decrease in many crime statistics from 2019 to 2020, there is one increase that stands out. Rape.
Washington County doesn’t have many rapes, but an increase from 18 to 25 is a dramatic jump.