Dayton Business Journal: Untreated mental illness drains billions from Dayton’s workforce, economy

A new study published by Wright State University, the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association and workplace mental health engagement firm One Morning has revealed the price of untreated mental illness in Dayton’s workforce.

Titled “The economic impact of behavioral health in the greater Dayton region,” the study analyzed data from 2023 across 11 counties and 1.8 million people, finding that 24.2% of the region’s residents are affected by mental illness.

This culminates in a loss of nearly $30 billion a year, affecting every aspect of the region, from workforce productivity to health care costs to premature deaths.

“The magnitude of the annual burden is not just a number; it represents lost potential for individuals, families, businesses and the community as a whole,” said Sarah Hackenbracht, president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association.

This number was calculated by combining the cost estimates of a variety of mental health-related situations and outcomes.

Early deaths linked to mental illness cost the region $15.78 billion in lost economic production in 2023, including $1.86 billion in lost wages due to premature deaths and $13.92 billion in lost quality of life for loved ones left behind.

Mental illness health care expenditures totaled approximately $3.25 billion, including $2.92 billion in mental health treatment and $327.54 million in physical health costs related to mental illness.

The estimate also included non-health care costs that can be influenced by mental illness, such as incarceration, homelessness support, diverted education resources and impacts on crime victims, adding another $177.65 million annually.

“This study validates what we see every day on our campus and across the community,” said Barbara Marsh, director of Counseling and Wellness Services at Wright State. “When people are supported in their mental health, they are more likely to succeed at work, in school and in life. It underscores the urgency of working together across business, health care, government and education to create a culture of care that lifts our entire region.”

Investing in mental health not only saves lives, but also strengthens the workforce and supports economic growth and community wellbeing. A 10% reduction in mental illness could boost the region’s economy by more than $1.27 billion a year, or roughly $931 per adult, according to the study.

“What this study shows is that behavioral health is not a side issue, it is a key economic factor,” said Thomas Traynor, professor emeritus of economics at Wright State and conductor of the study. “Every percentage point of improvement in mental health translates into hundreds of millions of dollars in regained productivity, healthier communities and quality of life.”

Early prevention opportunities include implementing workplace mental health programming, offering intervention for both children and adults and funding behavioral health services with public spending.

Read the article at bizjournals.com/dayton.