4 days ago
The Central Illinois Resource Center's virtual town hall tackles mental health challenges
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Central Illinois Resource Center gathered local leaders to discuss ways the community can overcome barriers in the mental health realm during a virtual town hall on Thursday.
The Central Illinois Resource Center hosted the town hall to provide healthcare, law enforcement and therapy perspectives. Panelists shared mental health barriers, including knowledge on how conditions work, access to care, and bettering the current mental health care system.
Guest speakers included psychotherapist Kate Mills, Robin Henry of Solvera Health and Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins.
According to the Central Illinois Resource Center, more than 2.1 million adults in Illinois live with a mental health condition. Illinois ranks 29th in access to mental health care in the United States.
Mills shared how telehealth has impacted the mental health world.
'I think overall it has increased the accessibility, again to people seeking help for especially things like social anxiety or agoraphobia or things that would typically prevent a person from seeking care outside of their home,' Mills said. 'So telehealth is a really great option, especially for people who maybe are from a different socioeconomic background, who aren't able to drive or get transportation to these services.'
She adds that one concern people have when it comes to telehealth is ensuring their privacy.
The mission of the Central Illinois Resource Center is to advocate for mental health awareness, address food insecurity and provide essential resources to those in need.
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