In a significant move aimed at addressing mental health concerns in Kendall County, representatives from eight key organizations gathered on Wednesday, November 29, to inaugurate the Kendall County Behavioral Health Advisory Coalition. The coalition, formed this summer, comprises entities such as Boerne ISD, Boerne Police Department, the City of Boerne, Comfort ISD, Hill Country Family Services, Hill Country MHDD Centers, Kendall County, the Kendall County District Attorney’s Office, and the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.

Speaking before a packed audience of over 80 individuals at the Boerne City Council Chambers, several coalition representatives emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to enhance mental health response and care across jurisdictions. Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez highlighted the role of law enforcement in mental health crises, emphasizing the importance of connecting individuals in crisis with the necessary support beyond emergency detention.

Chief Perez stated, “We also know they need more than just sitting in a jail cell. They need counseling, they need therapy, they need medications. We are looking forward to the changes we’re going to make in the Boerne-Kendall County community.”

The coalition aims to adopt a cross-sector, systematic strategy to tackle behavioral health concerns and improve access to services. The steering committee, guiding the coalition's efforts, will provide strategic direction based on the community's needs.

Bryce Boddie, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at Hill Country Family Services, highlighted the coalition's purpose, stating, “All of us have been at some point in this spectrum. Most of us can get out of that red area pretty quickly because we have support, family, things we can access. But there are a whole lot of folks in Kendall Country who can’t do that. This coalition has been developed to address that across this spectrum.”