MHMRA of Harris County - Annual Report Fiscal 2013-2014 | Page 5

T h e Co mm u n i t y N e e d A mong the most vulnerable members of society are those suffering from Mental Illness and/or IDD – yet they are each full of untapped potential. At MHMRA of Harris County, our mission is to help those individuals reach their promise, and be acknowledged as contributing, valuable members of their communities. Mental disorders are generally one of two types: mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression; or IDD, such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, or more severe conditions, such as in those individuals with extremely low intelligence quotients. In some, a dual diagnosis of mental illness and IDD may be present. These conditions are devastating for the affected individuals, and equally traumatic for their families, their friends, and the community at large. Unfortunately, the community’s needs far outweigh the resources available. Texas ranks 49th among states in per capita mental health funding. Harris County ranks among the lowest of Texas counties.1 A conservative estimate of Harris County residents diagnosed with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, is 137,000. Intellectual & developmental disabilities affect an estimated 200,000 Harris County residents.2 Besides the often tragic human cost, the consequences of an insufficiently funded system include economic loss, homelessness, an increase in suicide rates, increased (and expensive) juvenile and adult criminal justice system involvement and about a nine to 20-year decrease in life expectancy for individuals with serious mental illness.1 w h at w e d o to a d d r e s s t h e n e e d M HMRA served over 47,000 individuals each year Disability and Autism Services, and Comprehensive during the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year period. More than Psychiatric Emergency Programs - we deliver and coordinate 95 percent of them were below the Federal poverty level. services that are customized to the individual, so they may MHMRA is a substantial part of the public safety net to the achieve optimal personal levels of mental wellness. extent possible. It is the largest public MHMRA stands as a resource for the provider of developmental disability MHMRA service plans are and mental healthcare in Texas and one community, to provide and coordinate uniquely designed to meet of the largest such organizations in the service, to educate the community the needs of each person United States. about mental disorders and to assist other community organizations in Mental illness and IDD do not affect everyone the same way. learning how to best deliver these vital services. Through MHMRA service plans are uniquely designed to meet the high-quality, cost-effective, compassionate patient-centered needs of each person. Through our three service divisions – services, MHMRA helps deliver improved outcomes for Mental Health Services for Adults and Children, Intellectual Harris County residents. Annual Report 2013-2014 | Building Brighter Possibilities | pg. 2