In May, the private provider for mental health services in Montgomery County quit, resulting in a halt of their local crisis response services. This was followed by the rejection of proposed contracts for a replacement provider. Now, the focus has shifted to gathering feedback from Montgomery County residents on what mental health crisis services should look like in the region.
Tara Campbell, who participated in one of the community events, emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind when selecting a new provider. Sean Mitchell, another participant in a recent public hearing, stressed the need for continuous improvement in the provision of mental health services in the county. He highlighted the importance of transparency and understanding the barriers to expanding services like having a crisis unit where people can stay longer than 23 hours.
The staff at Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) plan to incorporate the community feedback they have received when considering requests for proposals from new providers. In the meantime, individuals in need of mental health support can reach out by calling 988. The community events provided valuable input on what new services could look like and suggested improvements in service delivery. The goal is to ensure that mental health crisis services are accessible and effective for all residents of Montgomery County.