News and Events

WACO, TX – Local collaboration on solving Behavioral Justice challenges received a significant shot in the arm this week as the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) a Learning Collaborative grant.

This federally funded grant will facilitate collaborations between multiple regional stakeholders to create an environment of innovative learning opportunities for HOTBHN, law enforcement, and Behavioral Justice partners.

“This exciting initiative will enable HOTBHN to enhance best practices in the area of Behavioral Justice as it receives no-cost support, consultation, and assistance from national experts,” said Ron Kimbell, Division Director of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services through HOTBHN’s Klaras Center for Families. “Learning Collaboration sites will work closely with The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center to provide peer-to-peer learning and mentoring opportunities to programs nationwide.”

Tom Christian, HOTBHN’s Grants & Special Projects Director, stressed that HOTBHN’s selection as a BJA learning site represents a tremendous opportunity to continue to address Behavioral Justice gaps and challenges.

“Only 10 -12 sites were invited to participate in this program,” Christian said. “This grant opens the door for HOTBHN to join other nationally recognized sites in supporting the partnership between law enforcement, the justice system, and the behavioral health system.” 

The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network is the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Authority (LIDDA) for its six-county service area of Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties. For complete information on all of HOTBHN’s programs, visit our website at www.hotbhn.org.

Contact:

Tanya Ledesma, Public Information Coordinator

tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org Cell: (254) 640-5229

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