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March 6, 2012: New PLACES Website Raises Awareness about Mental Health Disorders

Roy Craig (left), executive director of PLACES, Inc., talks with Oscar Davis, a resident at Gascho Gardens, a PLACES Adult Care facility on Dayton’s east side.

PLACES, Inc. has launched a new website at www.placesinc.org to educate the community about mental illnesses and the housing and supportive services it provides annually to help 300 to 400 Montgomery County residents with mental health disorders, including the homeless.

“Mental illnesses are medical conditions affecting the brain, just like diabetes is a medical condition affecting the pancreas – but sometimes our society does not recognize that or deal with mental illness appropriately,” explained Roy Craig, executive director of PLACES. “Our goal with the new website is to raise awareness about mental health disorders and the help available for Montgomery County residents.”

Awareness is crucial, he said, since mental illness affects at least one in four adults, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. PLACES clients tend to have disabling mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder.

“Without help, the people we serve would find themselves in emergency rooms, back on the streets or even in jail,” Craig said. “Housing and supportive services not only help the mentally ill live happier, healthier, more independent lives but also save taxpayers money.” 

The new website outlines PLACES programs and partners; lists resources for families and county residents who need information on mental health, homelessness or both; and explains how to make a referral. Site visitors also can review a list of FAQs, check out news and events, browse the wish list for new or gently used items needed, or donate online.

Founded in 1988, PLACES operates four Residential Adult Care facilities for 36 adults with severe mental health disorders. Its Supportive Living Program provides case management and life skills training for approximately 200 adults with mental health disorders who are living in homes or apartments or who have been homeless. Through its Housing First Program, PLACES provides independent, furnished apartments to 26 formerly homeless adults with mental health disorders and offers on-site supportive services.

“A large percentage of the homeless have behavioral healthcare disorders that go undetected, and that’s why people end up on the streets,” Craig said.“Our goal is to help all the people we serve realize their individual potential and gain more independence.”

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