ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Municipal leaders in north St. Louis County have come collectively to handle a difficulty they are saying has been beneath the radar for a lot too lengthy – psychological well being and wellness.

Space mayors say the issue is especially acute within the Black neighborhood and the COVID-19 pandemic has solely exacerbated issues.

The group has seen an increase in crime, drug use, and suicides. They are saying quite a lot of different teams have been supposed to handle the difficulty however haven’t.

They hope to deliver sources to bear on the issue, together with a marketing campaign to inform individuals the place to go for assist. The mayors say they’ve already obtained a constructive reception from the county and state, in addition to nonprofits, hospitals, and church buildings.

Among the mayors say the difficulty hits near house as a result of a few of their households are affected by psychological well being points.

Well being specialists level out how the African American neighborhood has been hardest hit be COVID deaths. So many have seen first-hand the lack of a number of relations.

Specialists blame isolation, melancholy, and job loss introduced on by the pandemic.

The mayors say they’ve been assembly on the difficulty ceaselessly and can present a report regularly on their progress.