Item 13: Interlocal Agreement with Hill Country Community Health & Mental Retardation Center

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Resolution 2022-185R, approving an Interlocal Agreement with Hill Country Community Health & Mental Retardation Center D/B/A Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers (“HCMHDD”) for the provision of services including a qualified mental health professional from HCMHDD to be assigned to the San Marcos Police Department’s Mental Health Unit and authorizing use of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) funds previously approved for this project in an amount not to exceed $425,000.00 to pay for these services through the calendar year 2026; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and declaring an effective date.

 

[MBaker]

This is great! Would it be appropriate to specify that this person also work with our unhoused neighbors as part of the crisis aversion strategy? I imagine the rapport some of our non-profits have with these folks could help make some healthy introductions and encourage people to seek help.

 

[COSM_Admin]

This is great! Would it be appropriate to specify that this person also work with our unhoused neighbors as part of the crisis aversion strategy? I imagine the rapport some of our non-profits have with these folks could help make some healthy introductions and encourage people to seek help.

Response provided by Chief Standridge:
As for the MH clinician, he or she will be fully embedded with our Mental Health Unit (MHU). Please know that the MHU will respond to more than 2,700 calls in a calendar year, and these calls are very labor-intensive. A single call can last 4-7 hours, depending on what least harm solution has been identified. This clinician will be in the same vehicle, thus providing a co-responder capability. Imagine having access to their case management, and them having access to our scene security. The client will be better served, holistically. We all know that case management is critical to prevention.

This is a huge win-win, but it is only a first step. My goal is to staff a second unit, at different hours, and eventually turn the tide toward proactive crisis prevention, not just response. Evidence-based practices demonstrate the effectiveness of crisis prevention, through relationship and medicinal management.

As for those who are homeless, our MHU routinely interacts with this population. The clinician will now be on the tip of the spear when it comes to identifying solutions. I’m excited!