Did you know that approximately one in 28 children grows up with a parent behind bars? That’s not just a number – it’s a glimpse into the lives of young people who face this challenge and need support to break the cycle. According to the US Department of Health and
Recently, we sat down with Jakob Koziel, Senior Research Analyst at Bissell Centre. During their conversation, Jakob highlighted some of the work Bissell Centre is doing to eradicate poverty in Edmonton and how SAS is helping them move their mission forward. Question: Give me a little bit of background on
Despite returning to a semblance of normalcy, research shows that a vast number of students still find themselves in the midst of a mental health crisis. It comes as no surprise to educators and parents alike, as the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on relationships and social support – key
Mental Health Month is an important time to honor and raise awareness around mental illness and mental wellness. Correcting and combating stigma and discrimination, including with data, is one of the month’s major goals. It’s hard to talk about mental health without also addressing substance use disorders (including opioids), homelessness
Question: This neuroscientist and SAS Explore host is known for appearing on "Blossom," "The Big Bang Theory" and "Jeopardy." Answer: Who is Mayim Bialik, Ph.D.? Today, instead of Bialik quizzing us, I got to be the lucky one to quiz her on some of her favorite topics, like mental health,
All students need hope at varying levels to graduate, especially those needing mental health support. Many students are still reacclimating to life after two years of COVID disruptions, on top of the usual anxiety that comes with beginning a new phase of life. New and unfamiliar surroundings, increased pressure of
September honors Recovery Month, emphasizing hope for recovery in behavioral health, especially from substance use disorders (SUD). A key motto of Recovery Month is that Recovery Happens, helping people know that even at rock bottom, things can improve. We all need that hope at various points in our lives. Often,
One of the most exciting aspects of working at SAS is seeing #Data4Good projects come together. For example, SAS is an official analytics supplier to the Special Olympics, part of the inclusion movement for people with intellectual disabilities. For the 2019 edition of the Special Olympics, we brought together a
Before I started with SAS, I worked at the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. Among many other projects, our analytics work included integrating data from multiple county departments and risk stratifying citizens in the greatest need of public services. This led to our 1115 Whole Person Care (WPC) waiver
Overlapping social issues and additional uncertainties – not to mention a global pandemic - have led to a massive spike in people seeking mental health support. Much of that extra demand has been absorbed virtually. Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, for example, has seen its monthly demand for
With data, we can proactively advocate for changes to systems and policies. See how it's done.
In an episode of The Health Pulse hosted by Greg Horne, we learn about Dawnté Early, PhD, whose idea and mission is to transform the mental health system so that everyone who needs care receives high-quality and culturally competent care. Early's work focuses on bringing together individual mental health data
Mental health and data sharing. Seeing those phrases in a single sentence gives even the most seasoned professionals pause. This is legitimately sensitive data. And there are often specialized confidentiality and privacy laws due to the stigma and discrimination against those with mental health disorders. All the same, many agencies are starting to ask
If there’s one thing that we’ve learned from working from home, it’s the value of wellness. Not leaving our homes for work has collectively meant less steps (aka daily activity), easy access to the family fridge, and blurred lines between work and home life…and even the days for that
An estimated 44% of people in jail and 37% of those in prison have a mental health condition. When I worked at the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the Sheriff and Probation Departments were close partners with us. My Research & Evaluation team worked with their data teams to evaluate
What comes to mind when you think of a “homeless person”? Chances are, you’ll picture an adult, probably male, dirty, likely with some health conditions, including a mental illness. Few of us would immediately recall homeless individuals as family members, neighbors, co-workers and other loved ones. Fewer still are likely aware of how many youths (both minors and young adults) experience homelessness annually. Homeless youth is a population who can
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month, which have the important goals of preventing suicide and promoting the idea that recovery from behavioral health conditions is achievable. Amid an unprecedented year of stressors, 2020’s awareness months around behavioral health conditions have become more relevant to far more people. In recognition of the challenges and changes in people’s work lives,
Getting people with mental health conditions the help they need is a top priority for many Californians, according to a recent California Health Care Foundation report. In 2004, Golden State voters approved the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Enacted into law in January 2005, MHSA has generated approximately $15 billion
It’s Mental Health Month and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of the importance of caring for our mental health and wellbeing. If you’re someone who has lived with a mental health condition prior to COVID-19, now is the time to tap into the skills and resources you have been
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven up awareness of behavioral health need to new levels. As we honor Mental Health Month, schools, governments, and private companies are all talking about how to support people’s behavioral health. This is wonderful progress compared to our global history of speaking of mental health and
As we honor Mental Health Month, there are many calls to reduce suffering. Seems reasonable, right? It’s even in California’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), where public systems are called to “reduce subjective suffering.” And as we broadly focus more on outcomes in health, measuring suffering (and hopefully its reduction)
I’m on day 8 of my 10 day sabbatical from running. By day 3, I already felt anxious about not lacing up my shoes and heading out to feel the wind in my face, never mind the fact that I was still exhausted and sore from the previous week’s races.
People across the country (and world) are not getting the care they need. There are many data efforts to address that, but I personally believe traditional analytics are short-sighted, too illness-focused, and remarkably negative. We need to take a more holistic approach to data, policy, and health care, including traditional
Stigma and discrimination in behavioral health, while improving, remain obstacles to people seeking care. And any obstacles need to be addressed, because those struggling with behavioral health and mental illness are simply not getting the help they need. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “The percentage of young
Everyone loves a “mental health” day, one of those days when we get to relax and escape from the everyday worries and stresses of life. Imagine the challenge of dealing with true mental health issues everyday – especially as a child or youth where mental health issues can cause isolation,
The impact of mental illness on individuals, families, the health system and even the economy is broad and significant. In this, the latest post in my mental health series, I’d like to talk about what can be done to help. Prevention and early detection are just parts of an integrated
Last week I discussed factors that threaten access to mental health care. However, better access to care doesn’t always mean better quality of care. Overworked mental health professionals and overcrowded ERs are forced to expend efforts and limited resources where they have the most impact. This forces compromises in care.
A lack of mental health professionals is pushing the US mental health system to a crisis point. And even if a psychiatrist commits someone to a facility, there may not be a bed for them. A startling 55 percent of all US counties have zero psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers
Part 1: The challenge and the opportunity Mental illness continues to profoundly affect the nation’s population and, for the most part, remains greatly under analyzed. This is the first entry in a series about the mental health problem in the US, and how an analytic approach can improve care for
