Abilene’s Community Response Team program to continue after expired grant

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Five years ago, Betty Hardwick, Abilene’s Fire Department, and Abilene’s Police Department joined forces to help tackle mental health in a new way.

The program was created as a jail diversion to help with the time-consuming calls made to the police department. Lieutenant Brad McGary said he has seen a significant difference since the implementation.

“I know for a fact the police department has really benefited greatly, just from the time-saving aspect, but also the way that we’re treating the citizens that are having the crisis episode at the time,” Lieutenant McGary said.

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In 2019, the Community Response Teams were established to address the mental health crisis in Abilene. The City of Abilene funded the initial team, but as the need for more support arose, another team was added and funded by a grant.

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Three years later, the grant has expired, but with almost 3,000 calls answered in the most recent report, the program will continue to run to meet the needs of Abilinians. EMS Coordinator Aaron Maxwell told KTAB/KRBC how the budgeting is being reevaluated.

“It was one-time funding. So, after the grant was over last year, the city and Betty Hardwick assumed those positions, realized the benefits for it, and assumed those positions for the operating budget,” Maxwell said.

The program will remain operational for all residents who struggle with mental health.

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