Process evaluation of a mental health fair

Elvin Thomaseo Burton, Purdue University

Abstract

Mental health and mental illness are mounting concerns in the United States. It is estimated that by 2020, mental illness will be the second leading cause of mortality in the United States. These rising rates have been attributed to a lack of access to mental health care, lack of knowledge regarding mental health treatment options, and stigma concerning mental health disorders. In response to this potential crisis, researchers have been challenged to improve mental health literacy at the individual and community levels. Health promotion efforts, which have shown efficacy in improving knowledge of physical health concerns, have also been found efficacious in mental health intervention programming. In particular, health fairs have been found to be an efficient and effective means for organizations to perform community health outreach functions. On November 15, 2008, a mental health fair was held at Mental Health America (MHA) of Tippecanoe County, a community mental health center serving the Greater Lafayette, Indiana Community. The present study presents a description and process evaluation of this mental health fair. Proposed objectives for the mental health fair were: (1) increased community visibility of MHA of Tippecanoe County; (2) increased community involvement with MHA of Tippecanoe County; (3) increased community awareness of mental health issues. Eighty-seven individuals attended the mental health fair and 52 responded to an event assessment. Results of the event assessments indicated that the objectives of the mental health fair were met. The mental health fair was critiqued using the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health. Although not originally guided by a formal evaluation framework, process information derived from the mental health fair may be useful for community agencies interested in mental health intervention programming.

Degree

M.P.H.

Advisors

Okoror, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mental health|Public health|Clinical psychology

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