Addie Angelov: Conquering the great data divide in mental health

The Financial Burden of Untreated Mental Illness in Indiana

In 2022, the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission released a report that shed light on the staggering fiscal impact of untreated mental illness in Indiana. The report estimated the cost to be a staggering $4 billion, a figure that underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services in the state. This revelation sparked a renewed focus on addressing the mental health crisis in Indiana, and it is an issue that continues to be at the forefront of discussions regarding public health and education.

The Indiana Behavioral Health Commission's Efforts

The Indiana Behavioral Health Commission, in collaboration with the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Division of Mental Health & Addiction, and various community partners, has been working diligently to address the issue of mental health in the state. Their efforts have been marked by several significant achievements, including the successful rollout of the 988 Initiative, which provides a national hotline for mental health emergencies. Additionally, the commission has secured additional funding through the federal government’s Project AWARE program, aimed at promoting mental health awareness and education in schools.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Another notable initiative by the INBHC is the establishment of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). These clinics are designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and integrated care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. The CCBHC program aims to ensure that individuals receive the necessary services in a community-based setting, reducing the burden on emergency rooms and other healthcare facilities.

The 2024 Report: A Call to Action

On October 1, 2024, the INBHC released its 2024 report, which outlined a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in Indiana. This year’s report took a proactive and preventive stance, focusing on several key areas. One of the primary focuses was on the mental health needs of Hoosier kids, particularly those with high acuity needs and disabilities. The report emphasized the need for strategic partnerships and intra-agency collaboration to ensure that all schools in Indiana have the necessary resources to implement the Comprehensive School Mental Health Framework.

The Comprehensive School Mental Health Framework

The Comprehensive School Mental Health Framework is a national gold standard for addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs among students and their communities. According to guidance from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, data and funding are core principles in ensuring the effectiveness of these school-based efforts. However, the current data systems in Indiana schools are not linked in a systemic way, preventing academic and mental health data from informing each other.

The Challenge of Implementation

While the INBHC report makes compelling recommendations, it falls short in providing a clear roadmap for implementation, funding, or return on investment for Indiana taxpayers. Schools across the state face significant funding challenges, and over 14,000 Hoosier third graders still cannot pass the state IREAD test. If schools are to serve as access points for mental health services without compromising their primary mission of increasing academic achievement, it is crucial that their data systems are directly aligned.

The Paramount Health Data Project

A key player in addressing this data divide is the Paramount Health Data Project, an organization led by Dr. Addie Angelov. Dr. Angelov, with her extensive background in education and special education, has been a vocal advocate for integrating mental health data into academic outcomes. The project aims to connect mental health services with other academic outcomes by establishing reliable and confidential data infrastructure. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between health and education by ensuring that both sectors have access to comprehensive data.

The Role of Data Specialists

Ms. Monica Reed, a data specialist with the Paramount Health Data Project, has 10 years of experience in urban teaching and specializes in academic and health data transcriptions. Her expertise in transcribing complex data sets makes her a valuable asset in developing a systematic approach to integrating mental health data into academic records.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

The INBHC report emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships between the Family and Social Services Administration, the Indiana Department of Education, and the General Assembly. These partnerships are crucial in ensuring that all schools in Indiana have the resources needed to implement the Comprehensive School Mental Health Framework. However, without clear guidelines for data collection and infrastructure, it remains uncertain whether these partnerships will yield the desired results.

Conclusion

The financial burden of untreated mental illness in Indiana is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The efforts of the INBHC, though commendable, underscore the complexity of addressing this crisis. By integrating mental health data into academic records and establishing reliable data infrastructure, Indiana can take a significant step towards conquering the great data divide in mental health. It is imperative that policymakers and educators work together to ensure that all schools have the necessary resources to implement comprehensive mental health frameworks, ultimately improving the well-being of Hoosier children.

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References:

• Indiana Behavioral Health Commission
• Paramount Health Data Project
• Conquering the great data divide in mental health