2 weeks Ago By Dave Lee, Duluth
I appreciated the March 26 “Local View” commentary by Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Baumgarther, “ Essentia-university partnership just what the Northland needs .” As Baumgartner pointed out, health care “is grappling with a range of critical challenges.” We clearly need to focus our efforts and resources in areas identified as of greatest need.
Every three years, Bridging Health Duluth conducts a community health needs assessment to systematically identify, analyze, and prioritize community health needs. The most recent assessment can be found on Essentia’s website through its search function. In the current assessment for the Duluth-Superior area, in addition to the broader coverage area of the Essentia Health system, mental health is listed as one of the most challenging health issues facing our communities.
ADVERTISEMENT Yet, even though there have been significant investments by Essentia (and taxpayers) in the Duluth area medical district, proportionately, there has been minimal new investment in addressing the mental health priority area, as identified by the community health needs assessment. While sports medicine and orthopedics seem to be ongoing priorities, mental health needs to be elevated as an area of focus. Hopefully, with the University of Minnesota showing a willingness to partner with Essentia, there will be a new openness to investing in a broad range of mental health services, including the best practice of integrated behavioral health with other medical specialties.
Dave Lee Duluth The writer is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed independent clinical social worker, and the former chair and current member of the State Advisory Council on Mental Health. Email submissions to: [email protected] Include a full name, address and daytime phone number.
Only names and hometowns will be published..
