Bern, Texas – It’s been a year since the Boerne Police Department launched its mental health department, but its success is measured by community education, officials say.
Berne police officer Rebecca Foley She is pleasantly surprised by her first year in the city’s mental health department.
“Our goal is to help people in the Boerne region who are in need of mental health help get resources,” said Foley.
The program’s focus is on getting people access to mental health to keep them from going to jail.
While the number of mental health calls has remained about the same, community education and engagement have increased, Foley says.
Her job is to slow down calls and listen to those who need help.
“Just look at the symptoms, listen, and understand what they are trying to say. and that you need to call someone,” Foley explained.
Foley said the countywide focus on resources for mental health is creating a dent overall. Her goal next year is to make more follow-up calls.
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