community mental health services

This study evaluated the implementation and operational viability of the LGU Malay Mental Health Ordinance using the seven-component Project EMBRACE framework. The study addressed a local evidence gap by examining not only whether ordinance activities were implemented but also whether the workforce, referral, infrastructure, monitoring, and partnership conditions required for sustained delivery were present. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were obtained from 50 program implementers through a validated researcher-developed questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.962), while qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions with 10 adult mental health service clients from Mainland Malay and Boracay Island. Means and standard deviations summarized five-point viability ratings, and qualitative transcripts were thematically analyzed; the two strands were integrated by comparing convergent, complementary, and divergent findings. The ordinance obtained an overall viable assessment, but component results were uneven. Wellness of Daily Living (M = 3.75), Mental Disorder (M = 3.65), Substance Abuse and Other Forms of Addiction (M = 3.72), and Provision of Services for Mental, Neurologic, and Substance Disorders (M = 3.45) were rated Viable. Extreme Life Experience (M = 3.11), Neurologic Disorders (M = 3.37), and Enhancement of Mental Health Facilities and Partnerships (M = 3.29) were Moderately Viable. Service-user accounts generally supported these patterns and highlighted limited specialist access, psychosocial workforce gaps, dependence on external referrals, and infrastructure constraints. The findings indicate that Malay has established a functional community mental health foundation, but long-term viability requires prioritized investment in crisis-response personnel, neurologic referral capacity, facilities, formal partnerships, continuity-of-care mechanisms, and integrated monitoring.

Mental healthcare needs are growing, yet awareness of available services remains limited, even in Houston, Texas. This study examined relationships between having experienced or been diagnosed with mental illness and awareness of community-based mental health or crisis services. Approximately 1,000 Houston-area adults were surveyed in 2024 and 2026. Chi-square and multivariable regression analyses showed that experience with mental illness was associated with SGM populations, race/ethnicity, and age after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. SGM participants had greater odds of reporting mental illness, whereas Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and older adults had lower adjusted odds relative to their reference groups. Awareness of community-based services was independently associated with gender, SGM populations, race/ethnicity, age, and annual household income; females had greater odds of awareness, whereas Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and older adults had lower odds. Findings highlight sociodemographic differences in reported experience with mental illness and awareness of community-based services. Longitudinal research is needed to further examine these relationships.