In Fall 2022, Suzanna researched youth suicide in Maine as part of a community health assessment for a large behavioral health provider that serves rural communities in the central part of the state. In collaboration with Hart Consulting, Inc., Suzanna provided research and evaluation services as the provider organization worked to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). Community Needs Assessment research was a central part of this process, so that the provider organization could identify vulnerable populations and develop outreach and services to meet their needs.
In light of growing national concern around youth behavioral health issues, here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in Maine and how a behavioral health organization might use this type of data to improve their services.
Youth Suicide & Mental Health Data in Maine
Suzanna examined national and state-level data sources to investigate rates of suicide and other mental health indicators among youth in the state. She delved into data from the CDC’s Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey to highlight differences in suicide rates and mental health indicators across different groups and counties in the state, with an eye towards uncovering health equity issues. Data was shared with the client through accessible briefs, discussions, and presentations.
Check out an accessible data brief with state-level statistics.
How will the client use these findings to better serve the community?
The leadership team at the behavioral health provider organization highlighted aspects of the data that could inform their planning and action steps going forward.
- Share findings with organization leadership and staff to increase awareness around youth mental health in the state and health equity issues.
- As an organization, use the data to inform broader strategic planning efforts and decision-making around priority population groups and behavioral health issues.
- Develop additional trainings for staff so they can better serve youth that may be more at risk for experiencing poor mental health outcomes.
- Target community and youth outreach to at-risk groups (including sexual minority youth).
- Share the data with community members, stakeholder groups, schools, etc., to increase awareness and improve programming for youth mental health.
- Include the data in the community health assessment reporting required for the CCBHC process.
- Gather and review data regularly to recognize successes in the field.
