THE ISSUE
Mental illness affects at least one in five of our neighbors each year. In New Braunfels alone, the Hill Country MHDD Center provides care to more than 2,000 individuals annually. Additionally, our local Mobile Crisis Outreach Team receives an average of three crisis calls every day.
Over the past decade, our community has made enormous strides in addressing mental health. From the formation of the Behavioral Health Leadership Team to the expansion of wellness initiatives and public awareness campaigns, local nonprofits have stepped up to help our neighbors struggling with mental health issues. While there is still work to be done, local nonprofits continue to strengthen the continuum of care across Comal County.
THE INSPIRATION
Addressing the mental and behavioral health of our community has been a priority of the McKenna Foundation from the very beginning. In 2014, the Foundation launched the Mental Health Task Force, which evolved into the Behavioral Health Leadership Team in 2024. This dedicated group of mental health professionals, law enforcement, school districts, nonprofits, and other community members continues to meet monthly to identify gaps, share resources, and take action.