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Kaufman County, TX - The Kaufman County Behavioral Health Leadership Board, led by Criminal Court at Law #2 Judge Bobby Rich, was established in March with the aim of providing recommendations and guidance to various entities and stakeholders. Their primary goal is to enhance access to care services and address the mental health needs of individuals in Kaufman County. Currently, the board convenes once a month at Terrell State Hospital to discuss action plans and prioritize mental health initiatives within the county.
One specific action plan, spearheaded by Lieutenant Tracy West from the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department and Officer Nicole Phillips from the Forney Police Department, focuses on expanding pre-arrest diversion options for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Recognizing that a significant number of incarcerated individuals struggle with mental health, the Kaufman County Bridge Program has extended its services to support this process.
Additionally, Dr. Mark Messer, Terrell State Hospital Superintendent, will be leading a sub-committee dedicated to raising awareness and promoting education throughout the county. By increasing discussions surrounding mental health, the goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, as it remains one of the primary reasons why individuals refrain from seeking necessary mental health care.
To access mental health resources, individuals can visit the Mental Health webpage on the official Kaufman County website HERE. Furthermore, for direct assistance, Jennifer Russell, the Mental Health Coordinator at the Kaufman County Justice Center, can be reached at 469-376-4512 or via email at jennifer.russell@kaufmancounty.net.
Board members include:
Jennifer Russell, Kaufman County Mental Health Coordinator - (Chair)
Carol Williams, Kaufman Crisis Diversion & Jail Assessor, North Texas - (Co-Chair)
Wendy Dolleman, PhD, Specialty Court Clinical Director, (Board Secretary)
Judge Mary Bardin, Justice of the Peace PCT. 1
Richard Dunn, Executive Director of The Center
Mike Hunt, Kaufman County Commissioner, PCT. 1
Judge Rhitt Jackson, Justice of the Peace PCT. 3
Niki Killingsworth, Director of Nursing, Texas Health Resources
Dr. Mark Messer, Terrell State Hospital Superintendent
Trenis Ramsey, Chief of Juvenile Probation
Stephanie Reeves, Kaufman ISD District Nurse Coordinator
Judge Bobby Rich, Kaufman County Court at Law 2
Reagan Teel, Terrell State Hospital Assistant Superintendent
David Ahl, Kaufman County Adult Probation
Lieutenant Tracy West, Lieutenant, Kaufman Sheriff's Office
Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) - Co-Chair
Judge Erleigh Wiley, Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney
Melanie Shackelford, Executive Director of Forever Families
Nicole Phillips, Forney Police Department Officer
Lori Carson, Chief Visionary Officer/Program Director
Stephanie Hartline, Lakes Regional
Tracy Rosalies, CASA Volunteer
Erica Velasquez, Care Coordinator, NTBHA
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