MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) Mental health remains a concern in Davison County, where an estimated 2,300 adults experience frequent mental distress and access to professional mental health services is more limited than the statewide average.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that approximately 15.2% of adults in Davison County experience poor mental health for at least 14 days within a 30-day period. That figure is slightly higher than the South Dakota county median of 14.6%.
The CDC defines frequent mental distress as experiencing two or more weeks of poor mental health within a single month. These periods may include stress, depression or other emotional difficulties that can affect a person’s daily life.
Access to mental health care presents an additional challenge for Davison County residents. According to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, the county has approximately one mental health provider for every 553 residents, compared with one provider for every 384 residents statewide.
The difference highlights a potential gap in access to professional mental health services for Davison County residents.
Together, the findings point to two challenges facing the community: a slightly higher percentage of adults reporting frequent mental distress and fewer mental health providers relative to the population than the statewide average.
Sources: CDC PLACES, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps.
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