Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on collaboration with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services to apply for grant funding offered through House Bill (HB) 13, 85th Legislature, Regular Session (Solicitation No. HHS0004771) to support mental health initiatives and a pre-trial program.

The 85th Legislature, Regular Session directed HHSC to establish a state-funded grant program to support communities providing and coordinating mental health treatment and services with transition or supportive services for persons experiencing mental illness.  Funding for the 2020-2021 biennium was renewed through HB 1, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019 (Article II, Health and Human Services, Rider 68). The "Community Mental Health Grant Program" (CMHG) is designed to support comprehensive, data-driven mental health systems that promote both wellness and recovery by funding community-partnership efforts that will provide mental health treatment, prevention, early intervention, and/or recovery services, and assist with persons with transitioning between or remaining in mental health treatment, services and supports. The CMHG Program aligns perfectly with the Pre-Trial program that was discussed and supported during the budget process.  Projects selected by the State provide a 100 percent (or 1 to 1 match) match of State funds awarded.