Survey aims to improve mental health in the borderland

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- When it comes to mental health care, no one should slip through the cracks. Local organizations are working together to make sure that doesn't happen, starting with a survey being done, to help pinpoint shortcomings in the current system.

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute are surveying the Borderland to make sure everyone has the health they need -- especially those aged 16-24.

"The community needs to help divert youth and juveniles from the justice system, especially when they have serious mental health issues. It helps to divert from tragedy and crisis to healthy quality of life and connection to family," said Enrique Mata from PDNHF.

Sandra Day leads the Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Initiative for PDNHF. She said kids are beginning with struggles early these days, even with suicidal ideation.

"It starts small with anxiety or depression, and sometimes parents either don't catch it early or don't understand how to help them. They may not know how to help them or how to start the process because they're acting out in school," Day said.

She added that, instead of "pointing fingers," parents and guardians should intercept behavior shown early on.

The way this survey works is by looking at intercepts. Mata described it as an opportunity to divert youth or adults away from the justice system.

The El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium and many partners and other healthcare organizations - even schools - all work together. Mata said there are complex populations, like those between 16-24 years old, whom they want to keep a close eye on.

"They're trying to learn life skills and those areas have a gap -- we want to prevent youth from falling in the justice system or if they have some justice system involvement where we want to not continue into adulthood. That we can divert them away. Get them the help they need," Mata said.

This effort to identify shortfalls in the current system is a forward-moving and positive one. Day said everyone working together on this project plans to be intentional with the work they're doing, ensuring those with developmental or intellectual disabilities are included. The health consortium has many councils, including family leadership, justice leadership and integrative leadership councils.

Day and Mata added that while there is much work left to be done, they also want to recognize the wins.

"These are programs that have come out of visions; they take a little while to get underway, but we are working the long game. There's a lot to do, and it takes some time to build these complex programs so they can last for years to come," Mata adds.

Up next? A day-long intensive session within the next two weeks, reviewing the information gathered, and coming up with the next strategic plan.

ABC-7 will continue to highlight the good work coming from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation and its partners that make such a big difference.