New study will measure how Nueces County can improve its mental health services

A Texas nonprofit will study Nueces County’s mental health services for the next six months to identify how the county can improve its programs.

The county partnered with Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, based in Austin and Dallas, to perform a countywide mental health needs assessment starting this month. The institute will evaluate the inpatient and outpatient mental health services Nueces County currently offers, identify which are inadequate and create a comprehensive plan to improve programs and technologies.

Our will to do good is so instrumental in anything that we undertake. But if our mind is not healthy, nothing works. – The Honorable Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge

County officials will be able to review early findings of the assessment and give feedback. Meadows aims to present the county a final report by late spring so that the county can take into account the recommendations of the study during its next budget-writing process.

The Texas Legislature has made strides toward mental health care, appropriating a total of $8 billion for mental health this year, state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa said during the press conference. But it’s up to local communities to step up, he said, and Nueces County has been “proactive” in that effort.

It’s a new day here. We intend to do our fair share of working with the leadership here in Nueces County and all the agencies and people that work to try to focus on mental health. – Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa

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