WVU Medicine Seeks to Improve Mental Health in West Virginia During Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, shedding light on the urgent mental health concerns in West Virginia. Alarmingly, nearly 30% of West Virginians reported being diagnosed with depression, the highest rate in the nation, according to 2020 CDC data. Coupled with 82,000 residents suffering from serious mental illness and 18,000 adolescents facing depression, these statistics highlight a critical need for enhanced mental health services. Unfortunately, over half of those affected do not seek medical care due to factors such as limited access, high costs, and persistent stigma.
WVU Medicine is committed to addressing these issues. Tiffany Wees, Regional Director at WVU’s Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, emphasizes the importance of open conversations around mental health to reduce stigma and build community support. The institute offers comprehensive mental health services, including outpatient and inpatient care, child and adolescent services, and innovative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
This month, the institute will launch a Spravato clinic, bringing advanced treatment for depression to the community. WVU Medicine’s Healthy Minds network aims to enhance mental health care accessibility, empowering West Virginians to seek the support they need.
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