The 2024 Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium Public Conference kicks off Saturday, where industry experts and researchers will share the latest scientific developments and ongoing advances to fight Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

David Coon, director of the Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging at Arizona State University, will lead the conference.

Coon said experts continue to see growing numbers of people developing dementia in the Grand Canyon State, which also means increased demand for care from family and friends.

"The reality is we're still facing this," he said, "and we're facing it also with a growing number of people living alone with cognitive decline, and that is very important for us to recognize as well."

It's a growing public health crisis in Arizona, according to the Alzheimer's Association. An estimated 152,000 people 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease in the state.

Coon said increasing awareness about the disease is critical to not only diminish stigma but also plan for the future.

Saturday's event is free and will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memorial Union on ASU's Tempe campus. Coon said a panel of experts will share information about treatment options, but also the resources and support systems available across the state.

He added that it is critical for people not to wait until a crisis strikes, and that the sooner patients know their cognitive-health status, the better they can have a voice in their own preferences for care.

"How you get assistance, who's engaged, and I think that is really important for you to be, in part, in the driver's seat," he said, "and similarly, for somebody that's going to help you along that way to have those conservations."

Coon called Saturday's event a "family affair," and encouraged anyone impacted by dementia or Alzheimer's to bring family and friends to learn more. Topics will range from new drug treatments to reducing the risk of Alzheimer's with exercise, as well as resources for caregivers.

Wyoming ranked highest in the nation for suicide rates four consecutive years through 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the state is funding more crisis response.

About 90% of calls to Wyoming's 988 crisis response line get an in-state answer, according to a new report. Calls used to be routed elsewhere, but the state has been working to localize responses.

Two Wyoming call centers opened in 2020 to offer 24/7 support and now average about 500 in-state calls per month, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

Kim Deti, public information officer for the department, said the state is currently working to house the helpline's text and online chat options in-state too, and a local connection is important.

"We believe that people within Wyoming, whether they're calling, texting or chatting, they may feel more able to connect and relate to someone from their area," Deti explained.

A 2023 state law created a trust fund for the program but failed to add money to pay for it. This year, a proposed $40 million allocation was reduced to $10 million in the final state budget. Federal funds are also available through July 2025.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988.

The nonprofit Inseparable published a report this month to improve crisis response systems. It encourages states to pursue policies to develop system infrastructure, accountability, workforce capacity and sustainable funding.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said in terms of payment, response to mental health emergencies should look like the response to other emergencies.

"Police come. They don't ask whether or not there's an insurance card or a payer first. And the same is true for mental health, substance use, and suicidal crises," Kimball urged. "We want there to be a response regardless."

Kimball argued there should be funds for mental health crises beyond Medicaid.

Florida is getting attention for its efforts to create a comprehensive crisis response system for mental health needs.

A new report by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable calls for policies to expand 988 call center capacity, increase the availability of mobile response units, create more crisis stabilization centers and establish stable funding mechanisms to sustain the services.

Melanie Brown-Woofter, president of the Florida Behavioral Health Association, said the Sunshine State is doing all that and more to provide care for anyone in crisis, including adding more clinics.

"And now the certified community behavioral health clinics, we are really building an entire system that allows an individual in crisis to seek care and be linked to the right level of care at the right time," Brown-Woofter explained. "And to have those resources available that they need."

She pointed out with Florida operating mobile response teams for over 30 years, it is well ahead of other states. She notes the increased state funding to expand services and to establish central receiving facilities, which are not yet available in every state.

The facilities provide what she described as a full continuum of care, from crisis intervention to residential treatment, detox services and child care, all in one location.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for Inseparable, said it features solutions designed to ensure everyone in a mental health crisis receives the right services at the right time and provides a detailed roadmap for lawmakers.

"Our real goal here is to help create a very visual, easy to understand tool that lets them understand how they can be that champion," Kimball emphasized. "That helps ensure that no one's worst day keeps them from living their best life."

Another objective for Kimball is to spark conversations about what is achievable. For instance, the report showcased Oklahoma's RideCare program, which offers non-law enforcement transportation to urgent recovery centers. Oklahoma also distributed nearly 30,000 iPads equipped with crisis de-escalation tools to first responders and others.

Georgia provides "Peer2Peer Warm Lines" offering 24-hour support from trained specialists to people facing challenges who may not require emergency response.

June is Men's Mental Health Month and advocates in Ohio and elsewhere are working to eliminate the shame or judgment guys often face when they struggle with mental illness.

Studies show the prevalence of mental health problems is growing among children and adults but men are less likely to seek care.

Javon Howard, manager of engaging men initiatives for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said men need to understand it is OK to have experienced trauma and they need to find ways to better connect to their emotions.

"It's important to bring awareness to this month and bring awareness to men's mental health, because we want to encourage men to seek help," Howard explained. "We want to encourage men to feel like they are able to identify for themselves when they do need help, and to understand how to use the tools that are around them."

Studies show women have a significantly higher frequency of depression and anxiety in adulthood, while men have a higher prevalence of substance use disorders and anti-social behaviors. However, four times as many men die by suicide than women and both categories are on the increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Howard noted men often believe they will be perceived as weak if they seek mental health care. He observed the culture often tells men to "just get over it," to "man up" or "quit being a sissy." He added the fact large parts of Ohio are rural rather than urban brings a special set of problems for men seeking help.

"With Ohio being a rural state, the reality of folks having access to services can be difficult," Howard emphasized. "If you live in a community where everyone knows each other, it's harder to keep things closer to what's going on with you."

Howard added Men's Mental Health Month highlights the growing number of men across the country dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. His organization hopes to change attitudes about men seeking help to overcome their problems.