Deena Nardi

Community Need for University-Based Mental Health Services: Identifying the Top 5

The purpose of this study was to determine the community need for mental health and health promotion services provided by advanced practice nursing faculty at a small university in the midwestern United States. Fifty participants from a three-county service area were selected to complete a needs assessment survey. Survey results indicated strong community need for primary mental health services for low-income residents, older adults, pregnant women, and families with children. Mental health services (particularly for depression), health promotion, wellness information, and primary mental health care were among the leading areas of need. In addition, low-cost mental health services were identified as the most significant need, which was magnified in the underserved, Hispanic population.

Parenting education as family support for low-income families of young children.

Parenting education programs can strengthen the family unit as a nurturing center of child development. The Establish Rapport-Offer Information-Promote Attachments-Initiate Outreach guide provides a framework that addresses individual and family needs. Any parenting class should include opportunities for referral and out-reach efforts to help parents who are facing multiple stressors.