San Antonio: Public Safety Committee Chair Outlines Goals And Procedures For The City's Mental Health Recovery

San Antonio TX

23 April, 2022

5:49 PM

Description

Press release from the City of San Antonio: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 CONTACT: Victor Landa [email protected] SAN ANTONIO (April 19, 2022) –The City Council's Public Safety Committee was briefed today on the $26 million allotted for mental health recovery under the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds ("SLFRF") Spending Framework adopted by City Council under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The committee's task was to provide policy direction to staff regarding general goals and specific processes related to the allocation. "There is no doubt that the pandemic's effect on mental health is a public safety concern. Public Safety is more than police and fire, it is what the public needs to feel safe," said Public Safety Committee Chair Melissa Cabello Havrda. "Our goal is to make the best use of the funds available to plan the mental health rescue and recovery programs. But it must be done in a way that allows for long term sustainability, that leads to new or existing mental health strategies and programs." City staff will return to the committee in May with a draft programs and strategies plan that includes outcomes and metrics. The plan will be updated with the committee's input for a presentation in June and brought to the full Council for approval in August or September. "CASA CEO Angela White's characterization of the plight of many of the foster children whom CASA serves was very moving," said the Councilwoman. "White said that foster children are in a storm and that CASA stands in the storm with them. I feel that the same applies for every person in San Antonio who has weathered depression, isolation, and difficult circumstances. They are in a difficult situation, and we must stand with them." Among the many committee policy direction and recommendations given to City staff are the inclusion of nonprofit and community organizations that have a track record of direct work in mental health, as well as consideration for veterans, foster children, and people with special needs. This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author's own.