A column about depression among college freshmen and a recent news story about Missouri initiatives offer a reminder about the need to address mental health issues.
The column by Julia Lieblich is published elsewhere on this page. The Friday news story featured comments by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who said - despite appearances to the contrary - he and Republican lawmakers have cooperated and moved forward on major issues.
Foremost among them, Nixon said, is mental health.
An initiative that appears effective, based both on statistical and anecdotal evidence, is creation of mental health liaisons. Because law enforcement and the courts often deal with criminal behavior rooted in mental health issues, the program - now in 30 areas, including Cole County - links community mental health professionals with the criminal justice system.
In this forum on July 5, 2014, we quoted Cole County Sheriff Greg White saying: "Jail has become a repository for the mentally ill in most cases. And until government gets a handle on the fact that a chemical imbalance is an illness the same as a broken arm is, it will stay that way."
The mental health liaisons are designed to provide that handle.
In comments last week, Nixon said: "In one year, there have been more than 14,000 contacts between these community mental health liaisons, law enforcement and the courts - and over 7,500 referrals for services."
The governor also referenced plans to replace the antiquated Fulton State Mental Hospital, which dates to 1851. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, after lawmakers approved a bond issue to finance the new $200 million facility.
We understand the reluctance to incur additional debt, but the new facility is structurally and symbolically important because it represents a safer, more modern and more enlightened approach to mental health.
Mental health initiatives are not inexpensive, so Missouri officials must be certain they are cost effective.
In addition, recent stories and studies suggest mental health issues may be more broad and deep in modern society.
The cooperation Nixon referenced must be maintained to deal with, rather than dismiss, the individual and collective mental health issues facing Missouri.