According to a report by the Utah Department of Human Services, 49.3% of Utahns age 12–17 who have depression did not receive any care in the last year. Additionally, 3,131 people in Utah are homeless, 1 in 3 of which live with a serious mental illness. If left unaddressed, mental and behavioral health issues increase an individual’s risk of becoming chronically homeless.
Unfortunately, a behavioral health workforce shortage has hampered service providers’ ability to provide services to those in need. This has also impacted the PITU/FourPoints Health as we have seen an increase in demand for mental health services over the past two to three years.
Despite the challenges, we continue to strive to meet this increased need by working with partners like Indian Health Services, the Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH), and local universities to recruit and train additional qualified behavioral health professionals while at the same time taking a wholistic approach by addressing physical, mental, and social needs.
Additionally, the Tribe’s Puow’wan (family) Program has crisis assistance funding that can help address financial struggles that Tribal families may be experiencing. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the Tribe, the nearest FourPoints Health clinic, or simply call/text 988 (mental health crisis line). There is help and hope!