The Healthy People 2030 Initiative reminds us that relationships and interactions with family, friends, co-workers and community members can have a major impact on a person’s overall health and well-being.

As we continue with our article series on the Social Determinants of Health, it is helpful to remember that each individual person or family has their own priorities, experiences and values. Some experiences will be positive like having access to safe community playgrounds for kids to play on, being employed with a wage that can meet daily living needs, or having access to the behavioral health care you may need. When a person has challenges in their environment, like safety concerns or trouble affording the things they need, that can negatively impact their overall well-being.

And what may not seem like a serious situation to one person may be an emergency for another, depending on unique personal experiences that have influenced that person over time. In Butler County, we have been blessed for many years to have a multitude of service providers and a network of remarkable community partners who strive to support individuals and families when life or circumstances feel out of control or unsafe. As we continue the “Your Health is in YOUR Hands, and Help is at Your Fingertips” campaign, we would like to highlight resources that can be accessed in Butler County.

A first stop to meet basic needs in Butler County is Center for Community Resources on South Main Street in Butler. CCR assesses what is needed and makes direct connections to community partners. By connecting to social services as early as possible, the hope is that the concern is resolved and therefore more serious emergencies can be prevented. When a crisis situation is avoided, the overall well-being of a family is preserved and the cost for emergency services or supports goes down, which is a win for everyone.

When somebody accesses CCR because of an unmet need, the staff will complete a basic Social Determinant of Health Screening tool. Such areas as housing, financial instability, transportation, clothing needs, physical and mental health needs are quickly assessed. What we have learned from the initial data is that the most common needs being requested for the Butler community are affordable housing, assistance with utility costs and food insecurities.

On average, when a person walks in to CCR to ask for help with one need, the screening tool normally reflects that there are at least three other areas of need that are just below the surface, waiting to become an emergency.

Once the screening is done, CCR then connects individuals to the network of community services and supports that can directly assist with those needs. There are food cupboards throughout the county and community meals every day of the week in the City of Butler.

Homeless resources are centralized through Catholic Charities, transportation options are available via Alliance for Nonprofit Resources, 211 can be used for general inquires as well. Mental Health Crisis Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-292-3866. These are just a few examples of the array of resources available in our community.

By addressing the overarching priority first and then working toward assisting with other needs, we are working to build a stronger community, one person or family at a time. While there continues to be needs in our community, Butler County is truly rich in resources to minimize or mitigate many of them. Our hope is that by highlighting these resources, the community realizes what help is at your fingertips so that you feel more prepared and empowered to know that Your Health is in YOUR Hands. For further information on any of the agencies or services provided, please contact CCR by calling 1-844-360-4372.

Marni Rettig is the director of Butler County Mental Health Services.