Idaho has only one psychiatrist per 20,000 people in the state, Jeralyn Jones of the University of Washington Psychiatric Residency, a four-year program, told legislative budget writers this morning. At the same time, in 2012, more U.S. veterans died from suicide than died in combat, she said. “That’s a really sad statistic,” Jones said, and one that shows the need for mental health care and more psychiatrists.  She said the residency program is making a difference, attracting bright young psychiatrists to train in Idaho. “I’m proud of our state for doing something about this,” she said. “We’re the envy of Wyoming, the envy of Montana”/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: How concerned are you that Idaho has only 1 psychiatrist per 20,000 people?