BALCH SPRINGS (WBAP/KLIF) – One of the first major collaborations by multiple cities in Dallas County, Texas to address mental health was announced on Tuesday.
The Southeast Alliance Community Care Team will take a unified approach toward public mental health response needs. The program will focus on proactive and reactive mental health services for citizens in the communities of Balch Springs, Mesquite, Seagoville, and Sunnyvale.
“This is something that we can no longer put a band aid on,” said Balch Springs City Manager Susan Cluse. “This is something that’s gushing. We have to take notice of this in our region.”
A $900,000 Dallas County grant will help support the care team, which is modeled after similar programs around the country.
The program will include services to check in on residents with a history of mental health issues. The team will also help homeless individuals who may not have access to mental health services.
The grant will cover the cost of a vehicle and supplies, salaries for two team members and funding for all four cities to train every police officer, fire fighter and dispatcher in crisis response so that each mental health call is handled in a compassionate manner.
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