Local Community Leaders Discuss the Impact of Behavioral Health in Collin County

In a recent panel discussion focused on behavioral health in Collin County, community leaders explored vital aspects such as behavioral health capacity, needs, resources, gaps, and emerging trends. Moderated by Dana Bickford, president of the Coalition for Behavioral Healthcare in Collin County (CBHCC), the panel discussed the state of behavioral health in the county, using the recently released CBHCC report from February 2023 as a foundation.

The report's findings, as highlighted by Bickford, revealed that despite being one of the fastest growing and healthiest places in the United States, Collin County, with its population of 1.1 million, is just beginning to recognize the importance of robust behavioral health services. Mental health and substance abuse issues have widespread consequences, impacting families, schools, employers, and various facets of society. Timely treatment is essential for recovery, but the county faces significant challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of affordable housing, and workforce shortages, all of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been some positive developments, such as early identification programs, the adoption of telehealth services, public awareness initiatives, and innovative programs in schools and the justice system. However, troubling trends include a surge in fentanyl use, rising suicide rates, and a growing number of students in need of behavioral support.

Based on the report's insights, Bickford outlined several recommended actions to strengthen behavioral healthcare, including raising awareness, supporting school initiatives, enhancing the crisis response system, educating business leaders, and collecting data to monitor behavioral health trends. The coalition also emphasized the importance of citizen involvement and support for workforce development in behavioral healthcare.

The panel introduced other valuable perspectives and resources within Collin County. Collin County Commissioner Cheryl Williams shed light on the county's designated health and intellectual and developmental disabilities authority, LifePath Systems. This authority functions as both a local government entity and a nonprofit center, receiving funding from federal, state, and local sources to support families and individuals in Collin County.

Commissioner Williams highlighted the pressing challenge of addressing behavioral health and substance abuse issues within the county jail, where 40% of inmates require some form of mental health care or have intellectual disabilities. She elaborated on potential strategies to overcome the limitations associated with providing healthcare for incarcerated individuals.

Tammy Mahan, CEO of LifePath Systems, provided insights into the organization's background and available resources. She also shared plans for a groundbreaking new facility in McKinney, designed as a substantial crisis and diversion center primarily focused on adults. The goal is to divert individuals away from incarceration and offer a more suitable environment for stabilization without posing a public safety concern.

Jennifer Akins, senior director for guidance and counseling for McKinney ISD, discussed her district's mission to support disadvantaged students through a comprehensive counseling program. This program aims to establish robust support systems within the school setting, equipping students with the resources they need to excel in their education.

Kelly Rentzel, general counsel for First Foundation Bank, offered a unique perspective, sharing her personal experience with mental health and its impact on her life, including in the workplace. She emphasized the importance of hope, available solutions, medications, and treatments for managing mental health conditions and leading fulfilling lives. Rentzel also advocated for the end of the stigma associated with mental illness and underscored the significance of providing unwavering support to employees facing mental health challenges.

In this insightful panel discussion, Collin County's community leaders tackled the challenges, successes, and opportunities in behavioral health, striving for a brighter future where mental health is a cornerstone of a thriving community.

To view the video of the panel discussion, please click here. For more information about the 2023 Collin Leadership Policy Summit, visit www.collin.edu/policysummit/.