The San Marcos City Council has voted unanimously to approve an increase in funding for the Sunrise Rehab & Recovery program, doing business as Evoke Wellness San Marcos. The funding, allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will rise from $99,000 to $150,000. The decision was made at the council’s regularly scheduled meeting and is designed to support the organization’s work in providing substance use treatment services for qualified adults identified through the San Marcos Police Department’s (SMPD) Mental Health Diversion Program.
Overview of the Mental Health Diversion Program
The Mental Health Diversion Program aims to divert individuals with mental health issues and substance use disorders away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment services. Through this program, individuals who encounter the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) and need mental health or substance abuse treatment are connected with the necessary care.
San Marcos City Council Member Amanda Rodriguez expressed concern during the meeting about the lack of detailed information about the scope of services Evoke Wellness provides. She hoped that a representative from the organization would be available to provide more clarity on this aspect.
However, San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge gave background information on the program, noting that Evoke Wellness was initially selected by Randy Focken, a representative from the Hays County Judicial Services Office. The organization is currently involved in the Hays County Mental Health Court, where it provides treatment services aimed at diverting mentally ill individuals from incarceration.
Chief Standridge explained that the contract for services between the San Marcos Police Department and Evoke Wellness was initially executed for $99,000 to address an urgent need for substance abuse treatment for an indigent client. However, with the program’s growing demand, the city council’s approval was required to increase the budget to the $150,000 threshold.
The Role of Evoke Wellness
Evoke Wellness San Marcos is part of a larger system designed to address substance use and mental health disorders. The organization is contracted to provide detoxification, outpatient rehabilitation, and other mental health services to individuals who are encountered by the SMPD Mental Health Unit (MHU). The services are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, and costs vary based on the level of care required.
When an individual in need of treatment is identified by the SMPD MHU, the next steps depend on whether the individual has health insurance. If the person has insurance, the police department works to find a provider who accepts it. However, 50% of the individuals who require services through this program do not have insurance, which is where the need for scholarships and financial assistance comes into play. The department has five scholarships available to help cover the cost of services for uninsured individuals.
In cases where individuals require immediate medical care, they are taken to a local hospital, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, for treatment. After receiving medical attention, they undergo a mental health evaluation by a licensed professional. If further treatment is required, they are referred to appropriate programs.
Rising Need for Mental Health Services
The San Marcos City Council has recognized the growing demand for mental health and substance use treatment services, particularly in the context of rising rates of mental health crises. Council Member Alyssa Garza inquired whether the need for mental health services was increasing and emphasized the importance of studying metrics related to the SMPD Mental Health Diversion Program to make informed decisions about future funding.
In response, Chief Standridge acknowledged that while he could only speak to the data collected by the SMPD Mental Health Unit, efforts are underway to gather broader data across Hays County. As part of the Hays County Behavioral Advisory Team, which includes multiple stakeholders, Standridge is working with Gregg Cox, the assistant district attorney for Hays County, to collect comprehensive data that will help assess the broader impact of the program and guide decision-making for future funding.
Conclusion
The San Marcos City Council’s approval of increased funding for Evoke Wellness San Marcos is a significant step in addressing the growing need for mental health and substance use treatment in the community. The $150,000 allocation will allow the organization to expand its services and continue helping individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, ensuring they receive the appropriate treatment and care.
The program’s flexibility—including scholarships for uninsured individuals and a wide range of treatment options—is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of the local population. As the SMPD Mental Health Unit continues to divert individuals into treatment instead of incarceration, the increased funding will provide essential support for both immediate and ongoing mental health services.
With a focus on data collection and community collaboration, San Marcos is working to create a more comprehensive and effective mental health treatment system that can better serve the community.
Related topics:
