As we look back on another year, I am proud to say EHN continued a positive trajectory regarding programmatic growth and strengthening of our clinical services.  Our physicians, therapists, and caseworkers, along with all our valued support staff, continue to leave an indelible mark on El Paso.

On local, state, and national levels the focus on the mental health and mental wellbeing of our population continues to grow.  At EHN, we are working to capitalize on those discussions and ensuring that El Paso remains on the forefront of advocacy and service delivery for those with behavioral health needs and intellectual/developmental disabilities.   This year saw the launch of 988, the national three-digit access for the Suicide and Crisis hotline.  Emergence is one of only four community centers serving as a 988 center.  In addition, we have been designated as a national Spanish-language center receiving calls from across the country.   Our track record of innovation also continues in the justice involved arena, with the continued expansion of Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) across the region, as well as the addition of campus-based CIT with two local school districts.  The provision of CIT in a school environment truly expands the crisis continuum for children, and I am proud that El Paso can serve as a state and national model for the delivery of that service.

Children and families remain a priority at EHN and the continued expansion of school-based clinics and the fruitful partnerships with local educators are testaments to that commitment.   We are seeing positive results with embedding mental health services in schools, as more children and parents are able to receive the care they need.  In addition, our Systems of Care Advisory Board gives not only community agency partners, but also youth and parents a voice to talk candidly about the services they receive and the gaps in the system we must address.

Throughout EHN you will find this kind of innovation and commitment to improving the lives of El Pasoans.  This is us.  Working for you.