OMAHA, Neb. — The recent death of a woman in Omaha highlights a pressing issue: the shortage of mental health care facilities in the area, particularly for those needing long-term support.
Doris Moore, CEO of the Center for Holistic Development and a mental health advocate for nearly 30 years, emphasizes that many individuals with severe mental health conditions require extended care. “These people often fall off their medication, the very thing keeping them stable,” she explains. Insurance policies play a significant role in this situation, often limiting hospital stays for suicidal patients to just three days. After that, they’re expected to follow up with a therapist, but that’s not always feasible.
“Connected care is hit or miss,” Moore adds, highlighting a major challenge in mental health treatment.
### Changing the Conversation
Moore believes it’s vital to shift how we view mental health. “Mental health is health,” she insists. Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson agrees. She notes that many individuals struggle with mental health issues while receiving outpatient care but aren’t consistently taking their medication. This lack of compliance can lead to a downward spiral, risking their safety and that of others.
Recognizing this crisis, Douglas County is taking steps to improve mental health care. They are building a new facility designed for inmates with mental health issues, adjacent to the jail. “About 50% of our jail population has some form of mental health problem,” Borgeson points out. The goal is to provide proper care rather than locking people in a cell.
### New Facilities but Limited Resources
The county is also developing a community-based mental health care facility near the Douglas County Health Center. This $20 million project aims to address community needs, but financial constraints limit its capacity. “Due to federal regulations, we can only have 16 beds that are eligible for Medicaid. This is part of why state-run regional centers closed down,” Borgeson explains.
In addition to funding challenges, mental health stigma remains a hurdle. “We’ve made progress, but when funding is cut, it feels like we’re moving backwards,” she adds. More funding and resources are essential to support those living with mental health challenges.
In 2021, a survey revealed that nearly 1 in 5 adults experienced mental illness, yet many do not receive the necessary care. This data underscores the urgency of expanding mental health resources to meet growing demands.
Mental health is not just a personal issue; it’s a community responsibility. As society grapples with these challenges, open conversations and better support systems are crucial to making lasting change.
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