Integral Care-Austin, TX

?? Program highlight: HOST ?? The Homeless Outreach Street Team (HOST) is a collaboration between Integral Care, the Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Downtown Austin Community Court. The unhoused population of Downtown Austin is sizable, in large part because the location puts people closer to the services that they seek. This team works to connect adults who live on the streets of Downtown Austin specifically to housing, case management, mental and primary health care, as well as alcohol and drug treatment. The team regularly stations at community spaces like churches, community centers, or public libraries to offer on-the-spot Coordinated Assessments, connect folks to resources to obtain new vital documents (birth certificates, passports, state IDs), or receive their mail. The team will perform one-on-one outreach to adults experiencing homelessness in Downtown Austin and work to supply items that they need most immediately: hygiene kits, clothing, sleeping bags, and more. With the support of APD and EMS, HOST works on quickly supporting high-need users, which helps divert people from emergency medical, psychiatric, and criminal justice systems. The issue of homelessness in Austin has many root causes; HOST's caring, compassionate, and resourceful efforts are tailored to the many unique needs of each member of our community. ?? #HealthyLivingForEveryone #EndHomelessness #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCare #HousingIsAHumanRIght

?? Community News: the City of Austin held a press conference yesterday to announce new funding for The Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) to expand access to mental health and substance abuse programs! DACC strives to break down barriers for people to access court, housing, and social services. Integral Care Practice Administrator Julie Guirguis represented Integral Care at the event. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude for the City’s leadership and prioritization of access to mental health services for our community. Our collaboration with DACC and Austin-Travis County EMS helps to directly serve and connect people to critical resources and strengthens connections to mental health services. #HealthyLivingforEveryone #CommunitySupport?

?? Save The Date! Integral Care will be hosting a virtual Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This training module will be for Military MHFA. Mental Health First Aid gives people the tools they need to be present for friends, family, colleagues, and community members. This particular module will include information to best support service members, veterans, and their families who might be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Visit https://lnkd.in/gQuAxa8v to register and view details on free CEUs! #HealthyLivingForEveryone #MHFA #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealth

Thank you County Progress for sharing the news about Integral Care's Youth Crisis Respite Program. We are proud to offer this much needed community resource.

?? We are hiring a Suicide Care Specialist! This position is responsible for providing recovery-focused, person-centered care with a trauma-informed perspective. The person in this role will be performing case management, assessment, and/or service coordination work. Assisting in crisis prevention, providing community outreach, and linking clients and families to resources are some of the key responsibilities of the role. For more information about the position and to apply ?? https://lnkd.in/giNVXtWm #HealthyLivingForEveryone #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCareers #MentalHealthMatters #ATXJobs #ATXHiring

In this edition of Integral Insights, CEO Jeff Richardson shares the ways in which we are using innovative technology to better serve our community's mental health needs and support our hard-working staff. #HealthyLivingForEveryone

November marks #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. It's also a critical opportunity to shed light on the health disparities faced by these populations and advocate for equity in care. Social determinants of health— access to quality healthcare, education, housing, and economic stability —play a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes. Mental health disparities are particularly concerning, with AI/AN populations facing higher rates of depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. As providers, advocates, and allies, addressing the mental health needs of Native communities requires a culturally informed approach. This includes incorporating traditional practices, respecting community values, and expanding access to mental health services through targeted outreach and funding. Let’s use this month to raise awareness and take actionable steps toward eliminating these disparities, ensuring that Native voices are heard and their needs met. #HealthyLivingForEveryone #MentalHealth #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma

?? Program highlight: PATH ?? The PATH/ACCESS Homeless Services team works to connect adults who are experiencing homelessness, living with mental illness, and/or using drugs or alcohol to the support and housing they need to improve their health and living conditions. Every day, staff is in the community to connect our unhoused neighbors in Travis County to Integral Care programs and other local resources. If someone isn't yet ready or able to connect with the team to access housing or other services they may need, PATH still provides basic and essential supplies that can be used immediately: bottled water, oral rehydration solutions, and hygiene supplies. The team provides assistance with obtaining new vital documents which are often confiscated or lost, and are an essential requirement for access to benefits and housing. Though the PATH program's goal— getting Travis County folks into housing —is short-term, the need for it is growing in our community. This compassionate team makes a difference in the lives of so many on a daily basis! ?? #HealthyLivingForEveryone #MentalHealthMatters #EndHomelessness #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealth

Our friends at PAWS Shelter of Central Texas recently produced this heartwarming video featuring a Terrace at Oak Springs resident and his dog. PAWS donates pet food to Integral Care clients. For those who care for their pets with limited resources, having pet food available makes a big difference. These pet food resources help to ensure that folks don’t have to make tough decisions and go without in order to care for their pets. #HealthyLivingForEveryone

With Texas seeing a 13% rise in homelessness from 2022 to 2023, Integral Care's mission to provide stability and help address immediate needs for our homeless population is more important than ever. In Travis County, our homelessness programs strive to make an impact by connecting unhoused individuals with affordable housing, mental health services, and essential support. Even if we can't immediately secure housing, we're here to help with other essentials, like accessing benefits, replacing personal documents, and navigating shelter options— because everyone deserves the opportunity for a brighter future. Visit www.integralcare.org to learn more about the steps we're taking to make housing a reality for more people in our community. #HealthyLivingForEveryone #MentalHealthCare #Homelessness #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma