ST. LOUIS—Gun violence is the most commonly cited health concern for St. Louisans for the third year in a row, according to a Washington University poll. But a growing number of respondents say they’re worried about mental health and drug addiction.
The annual iHeard survey asks over 180 St. Louis and St. Louis County residents to rank the biggest problems. The percentage of respondents citing gun violence dropped from 70% in 2023 to 44% this year. But mentions of mental health grew, with 35% saying it’s a leading issue.
“The rise of mental health as a major concern among St. Louisans is unmistakable,” said iHeard founder and Washington University public health professor Matthew Kreuter in a press release. “When you combine that with concerns about drug addiction… it says a lot about what local community members think our health priorities should be.”…