The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”. The National Institute for Mental Health reports that 26.2% of the U.S. population suffers from a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. There are many mental disorders and a goal of public health is to elucidate, prevent, and treat mental disorders.  An understanding of mental health is important so that we can best offer mental health care to Marion County residents.