LND topic: behavioral-health page 1

behavioral health

Tracking trouble: How a five-year effort failed to prevent a violent act

May 5, 2026

Police records show officers repeatedly tried to help a man whose mental health struggles led to increasingly disruptive behavior. Neighbors first flagged concerns in 2021 after he was seen with a gun and acting strangely near his home. Officers responded but couldn’t force treatment or remove his w

health

How Local Places Shape Health Habits

February 26, 2026

Individual health plans often focus on a person’s choices, but the places where they live matter a lot. Researchers have found that the surroundings of a neighborhood can either help or hinder people’s efforts to change habits such as eating, exercising or quitting smoking. Health records—whether

opinion

New Rules Could Hurt Mental Health Workers in New Jersey

January 26, 2026

New Jersey's mental health workforce is in trouble. A recent proposal by the U. S. Department of Education could make it harder for people to become counselors and social workers. These professionals need special training and degrees to do their jobs. They also have to follow strict rules and pass e

opinion

Why Cutting Mental Health Funding is a Big Mistake

January 25, 2026

Recently, a huge amount of federal money for mental health services was almost cut off. Then, it was put back. This back-and-forth shows a big problem: mental health care is not being treated as important as it should be. The money that was at risk pays for important things. It helps kids and famil

health

Kankakee's Riverside Medical Center Expands Mental Health Care

November 25, 2025

Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee is investing $28 million to revamp its behavioral health department. This two-year project aims to modernize and expand the facility, which currently serves around 60 patients. The hospital plans to keep the department running during construction. Funding for th

health

Young Lives in Uniform: The Hidden Struggles of Military Kids

July 4, 2025

Military families often face unique challenges, and their children are no exception. These kids deal with frequent moves and family separations, which can take a toll on their mental health. On top of that, the pandemic has made things even harder for all kids, not just military ones. Many have stru

health

Smartphones to the Rescue: How Digital Tools Can Help Teens in Crisis

May 3, 2025

The number of young people taking their own lives is on the rise. This is a serious issue. It shows that there is a need for better ways to support these teens. Smartphones are everywhere these days. They can be used to understand what puts a teen at risk of suicide. They can also help keep the line

health

Improving Access to Mental Health Services

April 15, 2025

The role of managed care organizations (MCOs) in providing mental health services through Medicaid has been growing. However, there is a lack of understanding about the methods these organizations use to tackle access issues. What obstacles do they face? What strategies do they use to improve acces

health

How Fair Are Emergency Care Practices?

March 20, 2025

When it comes to handling behavioral health crises, emergency medical services (EMS) are often the first responders. These situations can involve individuals experiencing severe agitation or distress. It is well-known that there are significant differences in how physical restraints and sedatives ar

health

Mindfulness and TV Bingeing: How Awareness Can Help

February 15, 2025

First, let's talk about binge watching. It's when you sit down to watch one episode of a TV show and suddenly, hours have passed. You've watched way more than you planned. It's a common habit in today's streaming world. But did you know that being mindful can help control this habit? Mindfulness is