HEALTH ANNOUNCMENTS

Our Voices: Community Forum on Mental Health and Jail Diversion

Community members are invited to attend Our Voices, a public forum focused on mental health, substance use, and alternatives to incarceration. The event will take place from 6:00–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the Browning Room at the EVPL Central Library. The event is hosted by BRIDGE and Melissa Moorehead will be the emcee.

The forum will feature lived experiences from individuals impacted by mental illness and incarceration, as well as insights from law enforcement leaders and mental health providers working to divert people in crisis from jail and connect them with appropriate services. The discussion will examine both the strengths and gaps within current systems and explore opportunities for change. Limited time will be available for public comment, and written comments will be accepted.

2026 Greater Evansville Health Survey released

Welborn has released the 2026 Greater Evansville Health Survey (GEHS), offering the latest snapshot of community health across the Greater Evansville region. Based on 2025 data, the report examines trends in physical activity, chronic disease, mental health, and access to healthcare and healthy foods across five counties in Indiana and Kentucky. While the findings show progress in some areas, they also highlight ongoing challenges—particularly for low-income households-emphasizing the need for continued attention and action.

To help the community better understand the findings, Our Times will be conducting an interview with Welborn representatives to discuss key insights from the report and what they mean for local health priorities. The full 2026 GEHS report and resources are available to the public at welbornfdn.org. Stay tune for that report.