Texas Tech Mental Health Initiative forms new partnership to expand services to community

Members of the Texas Tech Mental Health Initiative stressed the importance of mental health services in Lubbock Monday as a new report showed a need for care in the community.

The group announced they would be forming the West Texas Mental Health Collaborative, which will include working with community partners and leaders to support families and individuals with mental health challenges.

The announcement comes after an assessment by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute that focused on Lubbock, Cochran, Crosby, Hockley and Lynn County. The Meadows Report suggested a need for continuity of care services, increased services to lead individuals to treatment instead of jails and emergency departments, and that leaders focus on youth and families as a crucial part of early intervention, among other highlights.

“One finding shared from the Meadows Report is that mental health needs continue to be cared for separately than physical needs,” said Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman, TTUHSC president. “We would like to be a part of developing a model that was created right here at the HSC where we integrate caring for the mind and body together.”

Read the full story from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.