DEPARTMENT: Metropolitan Health Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Colleen Bridger, MPH, Ph.D
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) Draft Report on the City of San Antonio first response system
SUMMARY:
The Community Health and Equity Committee will be provided a briefing on a draft report of the mental health coordination study being conducted by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) to identify improvements to the City of San Antonio first response system to strengthen and consider alternative responses to incidents involving an individual in mental health crisis.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On January 21, 2021, City Council approved an ordinance authorizing an amendment to an Interlocal Agreement with South Texas Regional Council (STRAC) for the purpose of adding $150,000 from the general fund to support a mental health coordination study to be conducted by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) to identify improvements to the City of San Antonio first response system that ensure appropriate response to incidents involving an individual in mental health crisis. The total budget for this project is $300,000 with MMHPI funding 50% of the cost.
The City currently has an interlocal agreement with the South Texas Regional Council (STRAC) for the purposes of providing mental health clinician services to support the San Antonio Police Department Chronic Crisis Stabilization Initiative (CCSI). The CCSI identifies, engages, and provides services to individuals who have been diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness and have frequent interactions with law enforcement via chronic 911 calls, referrals, or their own initiative.
STRAC is designated by the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS) to develop, implement and maintain the regional trauma and emergency healthcare system for the 22 counties in the Trauma Service Area which included a mix of urban...
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