Document Type

Article

Publication Title

The Alabama State Nurses Association

Abstract

Mental health and suicide are significant issues in Alabama, a state that ranks 46th out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. in access to mental health services. Alabama’s suicide rate is 59% higher than its homicide rate of 8.3%. This crisis is particularly acute among Caucasian males aged 45-54, who account for 71% of suicides; this demographic is four times more likely to commit suicide than females and three times more likely than African Americans. High suicide rates correlate to a lack of available resources across the state, especially in rural communities. The closure of mental health facilities has exacerbated this problem, forcing homeless and mentally ill individuals into jails, prisons, and underfunded healthcare facilities. Furthermore, personnel in these facilities often lack the proper training to support these vulnerable populations adequately. Alabama must adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach to mental health issues and increase funding to address the problems within its overwhelmed facilities. Currently, the state allocates almost one-third of its annual federal and correctional budget to a six-month substance abuse program. By reallocating resources to focus on mental health, Alabama can begin to make the necessary changes and climb out of the bottom five states in the nation for mental health care. It is essential to urge state legislators to invoke policy changes prioritizing mental health services in Alabama.

First Page

7

Last Page

8

Publication Date

10-2023

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