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Integral Care is preparing to launch its third mobile van to bring behavioral health care services closer to Travis County residents.
The update: At a Feb. 3 meeting, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved $337,497 in funding to cover startup costs for the new van, which is expected to begin operating in June.
The big picture: Integral Care’s mobile behavioral health vans allow the Travis County mental health authority to improve access to care for people who may be least likely to reach traditional clinics, an Integral Care spokesperson said. This includes people experiencing homelessness or those recently discharged from jail, shelters, hospitals or crisis facilities.
Patients may be referred to the program through first responders, emergency departments, Travis County jail personnel and The Sobering Center—a safe space for people to recover from intoxication instead of going to jail or the emergency room. Additionally, the new mobile clinic will help Integral Care respond to disaster situations.
Staff working in the van will go directly to people who cannot access Integral Care clinics.
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