City of Austin Public Health Committee met May 10

City of Austin Public Health Committee met May 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present:  

1. Chair Vanessa Fuentes 

2. Co-Chair Jose Velasquez 

3. Jose "Chito" Vela 

Additional Council Members on the dais

1. Ryan Alter 

Committee Members Absent: 

1. Mayor Kirk Watson 

2. Mackenzie Kelly 

Call to Order 

Chair Fuentes called the committee meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. 

Public Communication: General 

No speakers 

Approval of Minutes 

1. Approve the Public Health Committee meeting minutes for the April 12, 2022. 

The minutes of the April 12,2023, Public Health Committee meeting were approved on unanimously consent with Council Member Kelly and Vela off the dais. 

Discussion and Possible Action 

2. Discussion and possible action on a proposed resolution for Council consideration regarding mental health first aid 

On a motion by Council Member Fuentes and second by Mayor Watson, the Committee recommended sending the item to full Council on the vote 3-0. 

Briefing 

3. Briefing on the Mental Health Diversion Program from Pilar Sanchez, County Executive with Travis County Health and Human Services. 

Received briefing from Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Commissioner Ann Howard, Division Director Laura Peveto and staff on the piloting of the Mental Health Diverson Program. 

4. Briefing on Mental Health First Aid initiative from Raul Alvarez, Executive Director of Community Advancement Network. 

Received briefing from Raul Alvarez Executive Director of Community Advancement Network on the services and initiatives promoting Mental Health First Aid. 

5. Briefing on City of Austin mental health initiatives. 

Received briefing from Laura LaFuente, Assistant Director in Austin Public Health on the initiatives for staff to attend Mental Health First Aid training.

6. Briefing on the Community Health Paramedics Mental Health Response Unit from the Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. 

Received briefing from Asst. Chief Hopkins and staff from Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services related mental health response services in the community. 

Future Items 

7. No discussion 

Chair Fuentes adjourned the meeting at 11:00a.m. 

https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=411872