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Harris Center warns workforce and security shortfalls could cut services; seeks state/local support
Summary
The Harris Center for Mental Health said workforce shortages and rising costs for state hospital beds and facility security could force program reductions unless the court funds CLS items and cost increases; the center also described efforts to integrate physical care via an FQHC application.
Wayne Young, CEO of the Harris Center for Mental Health, highlighted program expansions — MCOT non‑law enforcement crisis responses, youth diversion, housing supports and Food Rx — while warning of workforce shortages and pressure on acute‑care bed funding. Young said the Harris Center's county allocation represents about 6% of its budget and that rising bed costs and facility rent increases will pressure services unless the county covers certain CLS items.
Commissioners pressed on staff retention, the center's security request for deputies at acute facilities and whether the center's ARPA‑funded programs (including MCOT) are sustainable after grants expire. Young said public‑health integration is in progress and that the center is exploring a Federally Qualified Health Center conversion to provide stable, integrated primary care for people with serious mental illness. He also noted that some security funding has been secured from the state but that sustained support is needed to avoid reductions in inpatient beds and acute services.
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