While survey results indicated that physical and mental health needs were adequately served in Greenwich, census data indicates that the number of people without health insurance coverage has increased gradually over the last few years. Survey respondents also placed high importance on the need for counseling and interviewees voiced concern about an anticipated increase in mental health needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to interviewees, mental health challenges and substance misuse are of growing concern within the Senior population. Many Seniors rely on pharmaceuticals to manage pain, which leads to the risk of overmedicating and/or death. As part of the overall response strategy, interviewees emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health and substance misuse and increasing access to services and individualized support.
