Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in McKinney, Texas

Community Demographics and Health Status

McKinney, Texas is "unique by nature." As one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, McKinney has a current population of more than 149,000, located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the seat of Collin County. The city ranks number 2 in CNN Money Magazine's Best Places to Live in America list. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2010), McKinney experienced extraordinary growth, with a population of 54,369 in 2000 and 131,117 in 2010. The 141.7% increase over ten years led to its ranking as number one on the list of Top 10 fastest growing cities with a population of 50,000 or greater. In this 100% urban city, there is more than 2,300 acres of open space containing 47 parks, 50 miles of hike and bike trails, neighborhood centers, and sports complexes.

As of the 2012 census, McKinney had a population of 143,223 (49% male and 51% female) with a median age of 32.7 years. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 64.5% non-Hispanic white, 10.2% non-Hispanic black, 0.7% Native American, 1.0% Indian (from India), 3.1% other Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% non-Hispanic reporting some other race, 3.1% reporting two or more races, and 18.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income in the city was $81,894 with a median family income of $92,868, with only 9% of local residents living in poverty. With 67.9% of McKinney's residents employed, the percentage of the population with a bachelor's degree or higher is significantly above the state's average. The cost of living index in McKinney is 94.6 (U.S. average is 100), falling marginally below the national average (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).

In addition to published statistics on population and economic status, epidemiological data was obtained from the Collin County Health Department. The Windshield Survey and Community and Population Health Scavenger Hunt provided insight beyond surface observations of this prosperous town. Using the Windshield Survey allowed observations about the community that may be overlooked in daily life. The town is very well kept; shops and restaurants surround nice residential areas; and many people were observed walking, running, or riding bicycles—which supports why McKinney has the highest health ranking overall in the state of Texas. Personal observations of the community, combined with visits to one of the eight local Fire/EMS stations and the local hospital, informed understanding of neighborhood and community safety. Meeting with the local Emergency Management Director for Collin County and the Medical Director of Emergency Services at the local hospital provided additional assessment data through the Community and Population Scavenger Hunt.

Although McKinney is unique in its prosperity and growth, it is not immune to disaster risk. Severe weather, pandemic, hazardous materials, or terrorism could strike the community at any time. A critical finding during the Disaster Assessment and Planning Guide revealed that the city has recognized the need to provide additional training and emphasis around providing appropriate safety measures for vulnerable or at-risk behavioral health patients. In August 2013, Medical Center of McKinney conducted a comprehensive disaster exercise at the Behavioral Health hospital where staff worked with local EMS, Fire, and Emergency Management officials to practice evacuation of these specialized patients.

In conclusion, McKinney is a finely honed community where the quality of life is perceived to be above average due to its highly educated, financially sound population. However, a concerning trend has emerged: mental health disorders related to drug and alcohol abuse are increasing within the community.