Item 9: Draft Recommendation to Council to Protect Mental Health Services — original pdf

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RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resources Advisory Commission Recommendation Number:[20260728-009]: Recommendation on Protecting Mental Health Services Date of Approval: Recommendation: The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council prioritize funding for community-based mental health prevention, early intervention, and diversion services during the FY 2026-2027 budget process and avoid reductions to programs that prevent behavioral health crises, improve access to care, and promote long-term community well-being. The Commission further recommends that Council continue prioritizing investments that address mental health before individuals reach crisis, recognizing that prevention-focused services improve health outcomes, reduce reliance on emergency response systems, and strengthen economic stability for individuals and families. Description of Recommendation to Council: Mental health is a public health issue that affects every aspect of an individual’s quality of life, including housing stability, educational attainment, employment, family well-being, and community safety. During our Public Health Workgroup meeting with community members, participants consistently identified prevention, early intervention, and diversion as priorities that should remain protected during the City’s budget process. Participants emphasized the importance of expanding access to community-based mental health services before residents experience crises requiring emergency rooms, law enforcement involvement, or hospitalization. The workgroup discussed the value of innovative service delivery models, including rapid- access behavioral health services, telehealth, and diversion initiatives that connect residents to care quickly while reducing barriers related to transportation, cost, language, and stigma. Participants also emphasized the importance of culturally responsive and bilingual services that meet the needs of Austin’s increasingly diverse population. Rationale: Public investment in prevention is both fiscally responsible and essential to improving community health outcomes. Workgroup participants emphasized that the City’s behavioral health investments should prioritize prevention alongside crisis response, recognizing that early intervention reduces long-term costs while improving quality of life. Research discussed during the meeting noted that diversion programs can save approximately seven dollars for every dollar invested through reduced involvement with emergency response systems and the criminal legal system. Investing in prevention reduces demand on emergency rooms, law enforcement, jails, and other acute and high-cost systems while connecting residents to appropriate care earlier. The Commission recognizes that final funding recommendations are still under development for social services contracts. Regardless of which contracts are ultimately proposed for reduction, the Commission encourages the Austin City Council to prioritize investments that strengthen prevention, improve equitable access to behavioral health care, and support community well- being when making budget decisions. Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: (Staff or commissioner can sign)