County Judge garners support for needs assessment

Staff Reports

Hays County Courthouse – County Judge Becerra assembled a Mental Health Task Force a year ago and today Commissioners Court unanimously approved funding of a Needs Assessment for a Mental Health facility. “We want our residents to have access to the support they need,” he said, “while treating them with dignity and respect. And today, we are one small step closer to achieving that.” 

A virtual panel included Tod Citron, CEO and Landon Sturdivant, Deputy CEO of Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and Andrea Richardson, Executive Director of Bluebonnet Trails Community Services. Among those present were Charlie Campise, Secretary of the Hill Country MHDD, and retired Army Colonel Jack Pryor who spoke on the mental needs of military veterans. Also present in support were representatives from Austin Oaks Hospital and Texas State University. Anita Collins spoke on behalf of the County Judge’s Office, “We have studied the Health Needs Assessments from the surrounding counties, but they only touch on behavioral health. What we need is a comprehensive assessment focused on our county’s mental health needs.” 

Dr. Toni Watt, Professor and Chair of Sociology at Texas State University is a core Mental Health Task Force member and wrote, “Research has conclusively revealed that providing mental health/substance abuse services ultimately reduces costs in other areas. Mental health disorders contribute to unnecessary ER visits, increase homelessness, and raise incarceration rates. 

The next step is to develop a Request for Qualifications to determine who would be best qualified to conduct the Needs Assessment. Ultimately, the goal is to design, plan and implement an integrated Center for Mental Health Care, Education and Research. The Center would include a judicial court, a military veterans wing, with open space that will holistically heal our community.