Chapter 6: Health Issues
Chapter 4: Crime Behavioral issues that were most commonly addressed during our interviews and focus groups with service providers and community residents related to substance abuse and mental health services.
Data from the Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina estimated that 19,435 residents, nearly 10% of all Durham residents in 1997, were addicted to alcohol or drugs (Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina, 1997). To address this problem, resources have been allocated towards substance abuse treatment in Durham. For example, the STAR program places people who have been incarcerated for alcohol and drug abuse into a 12-step treatment program while they are in jail. One service provider suggested that residents who go through the program return to jail less often, implying that these types of programs can have far reaching effects on other quality of life issues. However, responses during both structured and informal interviews with service providers suggest that both the data reflecting the proportion of Durham residents with alcohol and substance abuse issues, and their access to such services, may be underestimated. As one service provider succinctly replied, "There are too many people addicted to drugs in the community."
Mental health issues were mentioned by community members as an issue of concern, particularly the need to offer more support services to protect residents who are unable to make rational decisions as a result of mental illnesses. The needs of residents who are primarily Spanish speaking are often unmet because of a lack of Spanish speaking practitioners and the difficulty in accessing bilingual services. On a positive note, we also heard references to the large pool of mental health service providers in Durham County. According to 1998 Health Profession statistics, there are 26 Psychological Associates and 138 Practicing Psychologists in Durham County. This figure is much higher than most North Carolina counties and suggests Durham is making strides in meeting the needs of Durham residents. Service providers mentioned that incarcerated individuals are most likely to receive mental health services because they are "already connected while in jail." However, for other community members, there are prominent barriers to accessing this pool of mental health professionals and services. One service provider's mention of a frequent "3 month waiting period for service" represents one such barrier.
In conclusion, despite the apparent abundance of available mental health services, Durham residents are not able to meet their behavioral health needs. The responses suggest the need for increased steps to alleviate language and process barriers.
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Chapter 6: Health Issues |
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