A comprehensive analysis titled ‘The Economic Impact of Behavioral Health in the Greater Dayton Region,’ conducted by Wright State University in collaboration with the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association and OneMorning, has drawn widespread attention for highlighting the profound economic consequences of untreated mental health conditions. The research reveals that approximately 24.2% of residents in the region are grappling with mental illness, contributing to an estimated annual economic loss of $30 billion. This staggering figure underscores how behavioral health challenges affect not only individual wellbeing but also workforce productivity and broader economic stability.
Thomas Traynor, professor emeritus of economics at Wright State, and Barbara Marsh, director of Counseling and Wellness Services, emphasized that mental health is deeply intertwined with community resilience and economic performance. Their insights suggest that strategic investments in behavioral health services can yield significant returns by reducing healthcare costs, improving employment outcomes, and enhancing overall quality of life.
Media outlets including WHIO-TV, ABC22/FOX45, and the Dayton Business Journal have covered the study, spotlighting its implications for public policy and regional planning. The findings advocate for a proactive approach to mental health care as a means to strengthen both human and economic capital across the Dayton area.
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Wright State Newsroom – Wright State research draws attention to behavioral health’s economic impact « Wright State University
The Economic Impact of Behavioral Health in the Greater Dayton Region, a study published by Wright State University, the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association and OneMorning, has attracted coverage by numerous local media outlets. Check out this roundup of the coverage of this important study. n nWHIO-TV: How behavioral health affects Dayton’s economic health n nThomas Traynor, professor emeritus of economics, and Barbara Marsh, director of Counseling and Wellness Services, discuss why behavioral health impacts every sector of our lives, communities and economy. n nABC22/FOX45: Wright State study finds untreated mental health cases are costing region $30B per year n nThe study highlights that investing in mental health saves lives, strengthens the workforce and supports economic growth and community wellbeing. n nDayton Business Journal: Untreated mental illness drains billions from Dayton’s workforce, economy n nA Wright State study, The Economic Impact of Behavioral Health in the Greater Dayton Region, found that 24.2% of the region’s residents are affected by mental illness.