Wheeling Township mental health assessment highlights need for more services

A newly released assessment of Wheeling Township’s mental health needs recognizes the township’s support for mental health, but also finds gaps in key areas.

The Wheeling Township Mental Health Needs Assessment was commissioned by the township’s Community Mental Health Board.

Study participants included 109 service providers, 76 community leaders and 236 residents.

The mental health board was created by referendum in 2022, but it is still taking baby steps. In addition, the township has yet to levy a tax for the board.

“The assessment is there to give us guidance on how to move forward,” said the board’s president, Sue Hayes. “It definitely gives us a good place to start.”

The study, prepared by Dr. Sean Bailey of Harper College Access to Growth Learning Solutions, said the township “allocates significant resources to mental health services” in partnership with such local organizations as the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health and the Josselyn Center.

However, the assessment identified gaps in services for substance use disorders (SUD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

According to the study, Wheeling Township allocates $292,650 for mental health, including $132,000 for mental illness and $160,650 for intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The study also highlighted the need to expand services to those of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Board member James Ruffatto said the survey contained a lot of good information, adding, “I think the biggest thing is that we all have to crawl before we can walk.”