News Summary
A family from San Antonio joins the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) rally in Austin to advocate for increased mental health resources and fight stigma. Kaitlyn Chism, who has faced mental health challenges, emphasizes the need for improved care systems. The rally aligns with recent funding for expanded crisis intervention services, highlighting ongoing community efforts and the importance of comprehensive mental health support.
San Antonio – A San Antonio family is making their voices heard in Austin on Thursday, advocating for the expansion of mental health services at a rally organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Kaitlyn Chism, 28, who has lived with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder for over two decades, will join her family in this important initiative. The rally aims to address the pressing need for improved mental health resources and to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
This rally comes at a time when the demand for mental health services in communities across Texas is outpacing available resources. Chism has personally experienced the challenges of navigating mental health care, having utilized the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline during a critical moment when she faced suicidal ideations. Her experience underscores the importance of having robust mental health support systems in place.
The family will engage in a day of policy and advocacy training organized by the Greater San Antonio chapter of NAMI. This training will lead to visits with state representatives and senators, allowing them to share their stories and advocate for legislative support on mental health issues. NAMI is currently monitoring four specific bills related to mental health services that could significantly impact care availability and access in the community.
Chism’s mother, Melanie Denson, points out the necessity of advocating for those who struggle to communicate their needs due to the complexities of the mental health system and insurance issues. This sentiment is echoed by her father, Brad Denson, who emphasizes that mental health is a community-wide conversation that affects individuals from all walks of life.
The rally coincides with the city of Austin’s approval of $1.46 million in funding for the Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT). The EMCOT is designed to enhance the city’s mental health crisis response services and will operate 24/7. This funding will allow EMCOT to expand its team by adding 23 new members, significantly extending their regular service hours. The current team operates with 19 members and has been stretched thin by the existing demand for mental health crisis interventions.
EMCOT plays a crucial role in responding to mental health crises, aiming to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with the necessary resources for care. The initiative includes a follow-up service that typically lasts for 24 hours and can provide transitional crisis services for up to 90 days. The goal of EMCOT is to ensure effective community safety while providing proper care to individuals in crisis.
Despite the city’s efforts to expand mental health resources, families like the Chisms continue to advocate for additional support. Their involvement in the rally aims to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues and their families, particularly within confrontations involving healthcare systems and insurance navigation.
For individuals struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts, resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) are available to provide assistance. As the conversation about mental health continues to grow, the Chism family’s activism represents the collective effort for change in the mental health landscape across Texas.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Mental Health Advocacy
- Austin Daily Herald
- Google Search: Mental Health in Texas
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Scholar: Mental Health Support Systems
- CBS Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health Resources
- KVUE Austin
- Google News: Austin Mental Health Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
