New Milestones Foundation

New Milestones Foundation Commits to $500K Capital Campaign

Much needed relief for community-based crisis mental health services in Austin is underway.  Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC) was notified by the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS) it was awarded $4.6 million to improve local public mental health crisis services for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. 

These funds will beef up short-term care options for people in mental crisis and create new long-term comprehensive supports. In addition, funding will allow caseworkers to assist consumers find permanent housing. The impact of these funds will be quickly evident as more inpatient beds become available.  Upgrades in services will also provide community alternatives to Austin State Hospital admissions, which have been heavily utilized in the past.

New Milestones Foundation (NMF) works in partnership with ATCIC by supporting its mission and raising funds for its programs.  "We fully support the development of resources to help bridge the long-term needs of people with severe mental illness.  Our board is committed to ensuring and promoting full recovery of individuals," said Joyce Orr,  outgoing New Milestones Foundation President.  NMF has committed to raising $500,000 over the next two years in a capital campaign to further these efforts.

This is part of an overall effort to increase access to critical response services, reduce the need for hospitalizations and provide alternatives to incarceration for those experiencing a mental health crisis.  A local coalition of representatives from the Travis County Healthcare District, Seton Health Care Network, St. David’s Hospital, St David’s Community Health Foundation, Travis County Commissioners’ Court, Travis County Probate Court, City of Austin, the Austin City Council and the Austin Medical Education Systems Program have supported and helped shape solutions to provide adequate, comprehensive mental health care in Central Texas.

The grants are being funded through an $82 million appropriation by the 2006 and 2009 Texas Legislature to improve mental health crisis services throughout the State. “We’re excited about the progress this community and the Legislature have made in addressing the gaps in services for individuals in a psychiatric crisis,” said Jim VanNorman, MD, ATCIC medical director.