New campaign in Washington County aims to help people find mental health support

WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) – The Washington County Health Department wants more people to know about the mental health resources available to them throughout the area.

On Monday, July 11, 2022, the department announced a new campaign, "Change the Ending."

The campaign is a combination of TV, radio and online ads that will help people identify what help they need and how they can get it.

The ads will take people to the campaign website, where they'll be asked three questions to help identify the right resources for treatment needed to recover.

“I’m very proud to see our community coming together to create an atmosphere of compassion, empathy, and support for those in need,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. “We’re committed to seeing this campaign thrive and have a strong network of programs, services, and facilities committed to connecting individuals with the support, assessment, and treatment needed to recover.”

The health department shared statistics in a new report by Mental Health America that found 56 percent of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment for their condition-- more than 27 million Americans.

Another report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that roughly 50 percent of people with severe mental health disorders are affected by substance use. And, 37% of alcohol users and 53% of drug users also have at least one serious mental illness.