Mental Illness and Homelessness
Oregon ranks as the worst state for mental health, according to KGW. With mental health rates off the charts and not enough resources to go around, we are left with a crisis. To make matters even worse, a lot of these people with mental health issues experience paranioa and may have a hard time even seeing a doctor.
There have been recommendations for more social workers in the Portland area, which would be expensive but would save money in the long run. She also believes that it would help get people off the streets. People with severe mental health issues often have time being around others, thus pushing them to the streets and out of other more stable environments.
Mental health was a dominant topic in the answers to the surveys we sent out to homeless aid nonprofits in Portland. Access to mental health providers was an answer to the question asking the biggest challenge surrounding homelessness, and the nonprofits also called for the community of Portland to end the stigma against mental illness, and to bring forth more accessible health care.
However, this the community willing to do this? In a survey question, we asked if the people of Portland would consider a tax raise to aid in the homeless problem, in which 59% of people said yes. In addition, when asked if it would be okay if a homeless shelter opened near their neighborhood, 24% responded yes, 38% responded maybe, and 15% were unsure.
It looks like the nonprofits and people of Portland want to fix this issue and are willing to do what it takes. Hopefully, this will lead to a brighter future.
Article referenced: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-ranks-worst-in-us-for-mental-health-study-says/283-449141620
- Ashley Peters
There have been recommendations for more social workers in the Portland area, which would be expensive but would save money in the long run. She also believes that it would help get people off the streets. People with severe mental health issues often have time being around others, thus pushing them to the streets and out of other more stable environments.
Mental health was a dominant topic in the answers to the surveys we sent out to homeless aid nonprofits in Portland. Access to mental health providers was an answer to the question asking the biggest challenge surrounding homelessness, and the nonprofits also called for the community of Portland to end the stigma against mental illness, and to bring forth more accessible health care.
However, this the community willing to do this? In a survey question, we asked if the people of Portland would consider a tax raise to aid in the homeless problem, in which 59% of people said yes. In addition, when asked if it would be okay if a homeless shelter opened near their neighborhood, 24% responded yes, 38% responded maybe, and 15% were unsure.
It looks like the nonprofits and people of Portland want to fix this issue and are willing to do what it takes. Hopefully, this will lead to a brighter future.
Article referenced: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-ranks-worst-in-us-for-mental-health-study-says/283-449141620
- Ashley Peters
Comments
Post a Comment
Let your knowledge, ideas, and innovation be heard. Tell us what you think and know about this topic.