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Committee discusses local psychiatric 'drop‑off' unit, seeks letters and cross‑agency meeting
Summary
Members discussed long waits, out‑of‑town transfers and the need for a local psychiatric crisis drop‑off clinic; committee members said they will prepare letters to state legislators and seek a meeting with law enforcement, the district attorney and city council.
At its Feb. 19 meeting the City of Laredo Blue Ribbon Committee for People with Disabilities discussed proposals to address lengthy waits and out‑of‑town transfers for residents experiencing psychiatric crises.
A committee member described repeated instances in which people in mental-health crisis are held in emergency departments while staff seek an out‑of‑town psychiatric bed and the sheriff’s department provides transport. The member said the delay strains hospital resources and can lead to inappropriate outcomes, including arrests.
Committee members discussed existing regional models described in the meeting — drop‑off clinics or “crisis centers” in larger nearby cities that allow law enforcement to deliver a person in crisis and quickly obtain psychiatric assessment and care. The committee discussed the possibility of an “Envision” or similar unit to serve residents locally but noted recruitment of specialized medical staff and funding would be required.
Speakers said they would assemble and circulate a draft letter to state lawmakers and local officials. The committee asked staff to provide contact information for state representatives and the mayor’s office; one member reported the draft would be sent to “Senator Safranini” and a local representative referenced in the meeting (names as stated by speakers). Committee members urged individual members to send personal letters as well as a committee letter to amplify the request.
Members also recommended a cross‑agency meeting that would include Laredo police, the district attorney’s office, the sheriff’s office and hospital leadership to review crisis response procedures and alternatives to out‑of‑town transfers. No formal vote was recorded; the meeting produced direction to draft and circulate letters and to pursue the cross‑agency meeting.
The committee framed the topic as connected to broader priorities in its strategic plan and training follow‑up: committee members asked staff to circulate training materials used at the Jan. 27 session and to compile the contacts needed to move a coordinated advocacy effort forward.
