7/31/2010 10:35:48 AM
Llano Estacado Alliance for Families (LEAF) encompasses a six county area including Hale, Lamb, Floyd, Briscoe, Bailey, and Motley. Located in northwest Texas, the community is approximately 60 miles from Texas Tech University and includes six (6) of the 11 counties in the regional mental health service area.
Although a relatively large geographic area (5,729 sq/miles), only 67,000 people live in this rural region. The community’s Hispanic population size varies from county to county – with large Hispanic populations residing in four counties (approximately 50%) and smaller populations (less than 25%) living in the other two counties. A slightly less educated population, only two-thirds (67%) of residents have completed high school, as compared to three-quarters (75%) of all Texans.
The agriculturally-based economy consists of ranching, crop farming and agribusinesses such as irrigation-pump companies, feedlots, meat packing plants, and farm equipment companies. Area retail services are limited. One collaborative member cited Dollar General as the major durable good provider. The community as a whole is less affluent. The median household income of $29,000 is 30% below the state median income of $41,600.
As with many rural areas, community workforce shortage challenges center around issues of turnover, recruiting, training, and resources.
Community leaders recognized that the community has struggled to provide services to residents in remote areas – due to the distance necessary to travel to access services and a shortage of mental health providers. They also cite issues of stigma as another barrier preventing individuals from receiving the care they need.
The LEAF collaborative has been in existence for many years. Eleven years ago, the collaborative formed an executive council which has evolved into the LEAF collaborative. Monthly board meetings are held to report progress, identify needs, and plan future activities. At this time, collaborative funding is limited to the MHT-SIG Grant and in-kind donations of staff time, facility use, and travel needs.
Goals: 1) To provide the right care, at the right time in the right setting, 2) to advance a shift in public opinion, and 3) to promote a holistic approach to mental health care.
Plan: Information technology will increase communication between/among providers and counties. Information technology will be used to provide information on evidence-based practices, mental health awareness, education, and training. Programs include:
The collaborative is in the early stages of development and has not devised specific evaluation measures.
LEAF Collaborative, though just beginning, has entered into the transformation process without hesitation or restraint. Fully committed to achieving their vision of transformation, they have adopted the motto “collaborate or die.” As this rural community moves forward with their work, they will be able to guide other similar Texas communities in their transformation efforts.
Achieving the vision of a transformed Texas mental health system will take collaboration, innovation, and hard work. Each of the eight communities will collaborate with state partner agencies (TWG members), community stakeholders and consumers, and one another to craft solutions to their specific workforce and service challenges. On the path to transformation, these community collaboratives will learn lessons they will be able to share with other Texas communities seeking to transform their own mental health systems.
Ron Trusler, CEO, West Texas Community Coalition
2601 Dimmittt Road
Plainview, TX
79072
806.293.2636
ron@clplains.org