Spotlight

Back

Judge Andy Brown Champions Mental Health Diversion Program in Travis County, TX

Idea Category: Healthcare

Judge Andy Brown is spearheading efforts to establish a mental health diversion center pilot program in Travis County. This program presents an alternative pathway to arrests, providing emergency responders and families with options, including psychiatric care, when dealing with those experiencing a mental health crisis. Brown emphasizes the need to create a more innovative, empathetic, and effective mental healthcare system and hopes to have the pilot program fully functioning ahead of the construction of a new mental health diversion facility in the county. A recent study revealed a rise in individuals with a mental health identifier in the county’s jail, underlining the growing need for this initiative. The pilot will also help individuals who are incarcerated receive psychiatric aid, and Brown is hopeful that these critical services will help with their long term outcomes.