Mental Health Task Force urges jail‑diversion data access, coordinated data collection and staffing boosts

Dr. Tracy Hicks, co‑lead of Longview’s Mental Health Task Force, told the City Council the group’s priorities center on improving continuity of care, strengthening data‑driven decision‑making and expanding staffing capacity.

“Mental health impacts every aspect of a thriving community,” Hicks said, describing the task force’s recommendation to establish access to the Odyssey platform to identify and track incarcerated individuals in need of services. She said access to that platform would “enable real‑time identification, improved coordination and proactive intervention” within the justice system and support re‑entry continuity of care.

Hicks said the task force also recommends a coordinated data strategy to measure the number of people currently receiving services and those who need services but are not connected to care. “Limited visibility into demand versus capacity contributes to ongoing service gaps,” she said, arguing that better data would support targeted funding applications and measurable outcomes.

On workforce, Hicks urged recruitment, retention and cross‑sector staffing models to reduce delays in crisis and same‑day services. She said staffing shortages remain a primary barrier to timely access and that the task force’s approach leans on partnerships across health care, social services and public safety to expand capacity.

Councilmembers asked for clarification on the geography of the incarceration reference; Hicks said she meant Gregg County. Derek asked whether the proposed data systems would indicate drivers for staff shortages; Hicks replied that the work on data collection is intended to surface those causes to guide recruitment and retention efforts.

The presentation was framed as recommendations for council consideration and next steps. No formal council action on the task force recommendations was recorded at the meeting; Hicks and task force members were thanked and excused.