Tompkins County is taking significant steps to enhance emergency and supportive housing solutions for vulnerable populations, including unhoused youth, as discussed in the December 1, 2024, meeting of the Community Services Board. The board emphasized the need for a clearer role in addressing housing challenges within the mental hygiene system, advocating for collaboration with existing housing organizations and the Human Services Coalition's Mental Health Housing Services group.

A key initiative highlighted was the implementation of a 988 diversion program, which aims to redirect appropriate emergency calls from 911 to mental health crisis services. This innovative approach ensures that individuals in crisis receive timely and appropriate support, fostering a direct connection between dispatchers and mental health professionals.

The board also reviewed the progress of the CARE team, a program designed to respond to mental health crises, and discussed the importance of expanding community awareness of available mental health services. Efforts to improve communication between law enforcement and mental health recipients were underscored, particularly through training programs that include personal testimonies from individuals with lived experiences.

Plans to establish a crisis stabilization center were also discussed, with the potential for law enforcement to transport individuals voluntarily to these centers, enhancing access to immediate care. The board aims to break down silos between various care systems, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive support regardless of their entry point into the system.

Additionally, the board is focusing on improving services for transition-age youth, recognizing the critical nature of this developmental stage. By fostering collaboration among school districts, community supports, and mental health service providers, the board aims to ensure that young people have access to the necessary resources as they transition into adulthood.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to enhancing mental health services and housing solutions in Tompkins County, with a focus on collaboration, community awareness, and improved access to care for all residents. The board's initiatives are expected to create a more integrated and responsive mental health system, ultimately benefiting the community at large.