Mesquite, TX – October 25, 2021 – One of the first major collaborations by multiple cities in Dallas County, Texas to address mental health will be announced by Balch Springs, Mesquite, Seagoville, and Sunnyvale during a press conference on Oct. 26, 1 p.m., at the Balch Springs Civic Center, 12400 Elam Road. The Southeast Alliance Community Care Team will be a new unified approach towards public mental health response needs. The press conference will feature elected officials, City Managers, and public safety professionals from all four cities to share their plans for this team that will begin their collective journey forward in addressing mental health for everyone, in all four communities.
The Southeast Alliance Community Care Team is the first concept of its kind on the east side of the DFW region. It will focus on proactive and reactive mental health services for citizens in the communities of Balch Springs, Mesquite, Seagoville, and Sunnyvale.
A $900,000 Dallas County grant will help support the Southeast Alliance Community Care Team, which is modeled after similar successful programs around the country. The program’s efforts will include services to check in on residents with a history of mental health issues to ensure they are receiving the treatment and services needed. The team will also help homeless individuals who may not have access to mental health services. The grant will cover the cost of a vehicle and supplies, salaries for two team members and funding for all four cities to train every police officer, fire fighter and dispatcher in crisis response so that each mental health call is handled in a compassionate manner.