Mental Health in Appalachia Ohio

Key Findings

Disparities and Bright Spots: Key Findings

Author: Appalachian Regional Commission

Citation: Appalachian Regional Commission. (2020).

Morbidity

• The average adult in Appalachian Ohio reports feeling mentally unhealthy 17 percent more often than the average American and 5 percent more often than the average adult in non-Appalachian Ohio. 

Behavioral Health

• The prevalence of depression among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries in Appalachian Ohio is 18.7 percent, compared to 15.4 percent for the United States as a whole and 18.0 percent for non-Appalachian Ohio.
• The suicide rate in Appalachian Ohio is 19 percent higher than the national rate, and 26 percent higher than the rate in non-Appalachian Ohio.

Health Care Systems

• The supply of mental health providers per 100,000 population in Appalachian Ohio is 51 percent lower than the national average, and 41 percent lower than the average in non-Appalachian Ohio.