Helping Memphis, one person at a time

I really like the idea of Help Memphis because it is a kind of cover-all solution to several major problems. It was interesting that, instead of focusing on one problem like the rest of the groups did, you guys spread out. Rehabilitation for drug misuse, mental illnesses, home-aid, suicide, and sexual assault, as well as legal aid, are all something that we need access to, as a society. On top of many people needing help in these areas, oftentimes the problems are not even being recognized by others. This can make the problems even worse for those who are suffering. When you manage to bring a lot of information together about these problems, not only are you bringing help to those who suffer, but you are also informing others who could possibly be in a situation to help.

I was actually very surprised by the graph that showed the suicide rates by state. I had no idea that Tennessee was so high, even above the national average. I was also not expecting such low rates of people receiving treatment. It’s very sad to think about how only 10% of people get treatment for such debilitating conditions.

However, with this being limited to an information center, it misses one very important aspect of alcohol and drug abuse. The first step to getting better is admitting there is a problem. As someone who grew up with a severely alcoholic father, I know how there are many programs there for him. The problem wasn’t finding, or even getting him accepted into them, it was getting him to go. He didn’t think he had a problem. As an app, this problem can’t really be fixed, other than to reach out to those close to the ones who have the problems, which it can. There is nothing limiting it to just those with the problems.

I also like how you included homelessness on the app. It is a big problem in Memphis, as can be seen just by driving around. Having a place to go that will provide them with food and shelter could be all someone needs to get back on their feet. Only addition I could think of for here is perhaps a job board for the homeless that lists jobs that are easy to get into, like not requiring a place of residence on the application, to provide some sort of income.