Mental Health Provider Shortage Coming to SouthCoast

Nate Goncalo is the Director of Planning, Development and Communications for Citizens For Citizens, a community action agency. He joined us this week for our South Coast Health Community Spotlight

What is a Community Action Agency?

Goncalo admits that the term "community action agency" sounds like a generic term, but it is actually a very specific movement that was created when President Lyndon Johnson announced his war on poverty in the 1960's.  Johnson set up these community action agencies, which were meant to be local, grassroots organizations in people's communities that directly have services that target specific needs in that community.

"Every 3 years, we try to figure out what the exact needs are in the community," says Goncalo.  "We try to base our services on what is needed."  Citizens for Citizens will be celebrating their 60th anniversary next year.

How to Get Help From Citizens For Citizens

If you live within the Greater Fall River or the Greater Taunton area, you are invited to visit cfcinc.org to find out about the help for which you may qualify.

Mental Health on the SouthCoast

Considering the fact that the community action agencies re-evaluate a community's needs every three years, we asked Goncalo what he foresees to be the next big thing that will cause need for local residents.  "Mental health needs are really rising up.  Housing and childcare are still very expensive here in Massachusetts, but things like inflation are causing a lot of pressure on families.  We have a severe lack of mental health providers on the SouthCoast.