Stage 1 Behavioral Health Data Highlights
The behavioral health climate in Polk County is characterized by substance use and behavioral health incidence rates similar to the Florida average . However , averages can often mask high-need pockets or communities within a county . Stage 2 research will provide further , in-depth analysis of these core issues . The following tables provide a high-level snapshot of the substance use and behavioral health incidence landscape in Polk County . Some of the key issues to particularly note include , but are not limited to , the following :
• Behavioral health capacity ( e . g ., inpatient beds ) is well below the Florida average , as well as U . S . goals .
• There is a high concentration of providers in the Lakeland area , yet low numbers of providers in other parts of the County – even when adjusting for population concentration areas .
• While many general incidence rates for behavioral health ( excluding substance use disorder ) and for substance misuse , as noted above , are similar to state and U . S . averages , some trends such as suicide attempts and completed suicides underscore the need for additional focus .
• Approximately one in seven ( about 15 %) of Polk County residents indicate that they struggle with depression and / or are otherwise at risk for behavioral health challenges . Given the current ( and growing ) population , the percentage translates to approximately 100,000 people .
• Youth represent one of the particularly high-risk groups – especially females and youth ( all genders ) of a mixed-race heritage .
• The relatively high level of people with high Adverse Childhood Experiences ( ACEs ) scores ( i . e ., four or more ACEs as children ) suggest ongoing opportunities to help support people who are working to address childhood trauma or abuse .
Many other data-supported observations are reflected in the following data tables . In the data section , review of the bold-face comments on most pages will cumulatively support the “ story ” suggested by the data . Stage 2 activities will provide greater detail to the issues suggested by the data and mapping in this Stage 1 report . Note also that secondary data and service use data will be added to the report throughout the project in order to compile the most up-to-date analysis and strategic plan strategies possible