Cafecito

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South Texas service agencies and healthcare providers joined with local advocacy groups, elected officials, law enforcement and first responders, judges, school district, business and church leaders at the monthly Cafecito organized by the Brush Country Chamber of Commerce in the First Church of Cotulla on Friday morning, September 6, hosted by the Cotulla Woman’s Club, for a special informational event focused on suicide prevention and related mental health issues and presentations by the Camino Real Community Services agency and the Laurel Ridge Treatment Center of San Antonio to bring attention to an ongoing mental health crisis in small communities and among youths in local school districts. Special attention was given to a new initiative between Camino Real and Cotulla ISD with the establishment of a special counseling and referral service for students going through crisis and needing help. Pictured (top right) is Camino Real’s qualified mental health professional and case manager Elizabeth Rodriguez, who will serve Cotulla ISD’s students. District Superintendent Dr. Ramiro Nava (above right) and Camino Real representative Ana Zamora (above) reiterated a need for increased awareness of mental health issues and immediate service to those in need. Camino Real will also open a counseling suite on a school campus for consultation and referrals. (Above left) Laurel Ridge representative Melody Munoz outlined the facility’s services and outreach, resource availability and scope of treatment; and Woman’s Club member Louisa Franklin (above) described a community-wide need for mental health assistance and the importance of joint efforts by schools, churches, advocates, law enforcement and related services to provide a wider outreach. Cafecito attendees shared information on resources as well as testimonials about troubled youths who have been served by multiple providers and community members taking proactive steps towards intervention in mental health crises. September has been designated Suicide Prevention Month; local officials will mark the occasion in a joint ceremony with supporters.
(CURRENT Photos: Marc Robertson)