Laredo votes to make mental health services a priority

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo is taking significant strides to enhance the mental well-being of its residents and first responders, as evidenced by a series of recent initiatives talked and voted upon at City Council on Monday.

Those initiatives happen to total over $300,000 in dedicated funding. These efforts span various departments and address critical areas, from suicide prevention to support for those battling opioid use disorder, and comprehensive mental health services for the city’s police and fire personnel.

Strengthening Suicide Prevention Efforts

The city is bolstering its commitment to suicide prevention with the appointment of Armando Duarte to the Suicide Prevention Committee by Council Member Ricardo “Rick” Garza.

Expanding Mental Health Counseling Services

A substantial grant from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Minority Health Research and Education Grant Program will significantly expand mental health counseling services. Valued at $162,231.00, this grant requires no city match and will run from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2027. Crucially, it will create one Licensed Professional Counselor position for the Laredo Public Health Department, providing much-needed support to the community.

Combating Opioid Use Disorder

The Detoxification Department is set to receive $48,742.00 for the expansion of case management services for individuals experiencing opioid use disorders. This essential funding, with no local match required, will be active from November 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and is vital for supporting recovery and well-being.

Laredo Fire Department Health & Wellness Initiative

The Laredo Fire Department is enhancing its Health & Wellness Initiative with a Psychological Services Agreement with Dr. Gina Dunckel, Psy.D., P.L.L.C., amounting to $69,750.00. Funded by the General Fund - Fire Department, these services include:

• Peer support consultation services
• Review of peer support protocols
• Psychoeducation and presentation programs
• After action sessions for fire personnel

Laredo Police Department Mental Health Support

The Laredo Police Department (LPD) is also receiving significant support for its mental health programs:

• FY2026 First Responder Mental Health Grant, Peer Support Program: A grant of $27,803.85 from the Office of the Governor, with a city match of $6,950.97 (totaling $34,754.82), will sustain the LPD Peer Support Program from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Funds will be used for Clinical Advisory, Trauma and Work-Related Counseling, and training and outreach supplies.
• FY2026 Criminal Justice Grant Program - LPD Mental Health/Crisis Intervention Unit: An additional $11,116.29 from the Office of the Governor, with no local match required, will support the Mental Health/Crisis Intervention Unit from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This funding will cover overtime and training for the unit.

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