Mental Health Identified As Most Important Health Issue In MoCo

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Mental health is the most important health issue to Montgomery County residents and organizations in the county, according to a new report.

On Tuesday, Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services released its 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment, which details the health and socioeconomic needs of the county.

The focus on mental health and other key health needs and issues identified in the report will be used to create a Community Health Improvement Plan.

"The good news is that Montgomery County has healthier outcomes as compared to the State of Maryland across a range of indicators," County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement Tuesday. "The data also shows that we need a continued focus on public health-related efforts to address some areas. We have made access to mental health services a priority and will continue our focus on this and other important issues."

Residents shared that they are experiencing a lack of mental health insurance and substance use benefits and a lack of bilingual and culturally competent mental health providers to meet the needs of the community.

Transportation to doctor's and dental appointments was a barrier for residents, with many stating that they must take multiple buses to get to an appointment or ask someone to give them a ride.

Montgomery County ZIP codes 20838, 20886, 20879, 20906, 20851, 20912, 20902, 20877 and 20903 had rates of uninsured individuals above the county’s average of 9 percent.

“Montgomery County’s CHNA is community-developed and driven,” said Christopher Rogers, acting chief of Public Health Services. “This CHNA describes health needs, issues and barriers from the perspectives of more than 2,500 county residents and stakeholders.”

Residents, community partners and stakeholders are invited to attend a virtual town hall on from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, for a more detailed look at the report’s findings. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation during a moderated session.

Advance registration for the virtual town hall is required to receive login information.