Welcome to the Center!

In last year’s Annual Report it was my pleasure to share with you information regarding the Piatt County Mental Health Center’s (The Center) 4th consecutive, 3-year accreditation by CARF…The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. This year’s report will focus on some of the demographics of the persons we serve. Despite documentaries and statistical reports, “mental health” services continue to carry a stigma. The truth is that both short and long term mental health issues can impact the lives of everyone at one time or another.

With Piatt County set in the middle of Decatur, Champaign, Bloomington and Charleston, mental health services are available at numerous clinics and hospitals accessible to our residents. If we look specifically at who is receiving services at Piatt County Mental Health Center during our last fiscal year, the graphs in this report will show the percentage of persons served from each of our communities.

• The age range of persons served
• The male to female ratio of persons served
• The percentage of persons served in each of our four mental health services
• Therapy, Psychiatry (Doctor), Case Management & Crisis Services)
• The most common diagnosis categories

In reviewing the graphs, the statistics show that clients of The Center are geographically distributed in relation to the community size and that all Piatt County communities have residents receiving services. In all four program areas, women receive more services than men. This often raises the medical question: “Are men in less need of services than women, or are men less likely to seek professional help for mental health related issues than women?” You decide!

The age data shows persons between the ages of 31-64 are the highest users of services but that children and those in their 20’s are also seen frequently at The Center or in their schools. Of the persons seen, major depression is the biggest reason. The “other diagnosis” categories covers numerous diagnosis with none of them used frequently.

Most importantly, this information supports the fact that Piatt County residents, of all ages in all our communities, are recognizing that seeking assistance with mental health issues is a positive step toward recovery. Should the need arise for you or a friend or loved one, please consider The Center as your partner in helping yourself and others return to a healthy life.

I hope you find this data informative and that you share our appreciation for The Center’s excellent mental health services and resources.

If we can provide you with any further information, please call 217-762-8546 or email me.

Sincerely,

Susan M. Lochbaum, Executive Director