Addressing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are some of our region’s most pressing needs. And while both urban and rural communities struggle with access to timely and affordable quality mental health services, issues in rural communities are exacerbated due to inadequate mental health resources. 

While safety-net clinics serve as a vital part of providing and ensuring access to health care for residents, they are not the only community hub for health–libraries play this critical role as well. Libraries are trusted and accessible community gathering places that bring together people from diverse backgrounds and offer access to resources for those who may be uniquely at risk for mental health conditions–particularly those who may experience the greatest barriers to care. 

Grantees

In response to inadequate community mental health services, St. David’s Foundation is reimagining the delivery of mental health by building upon trusted community networks and piloting Libraries for Health, an initiative that enables non-clinical mental health supports and practices within libraries. Eight libraries in Central Texas are participating in this pilot program.

Partners

St. David’s Foundation has partnered with the RAND Corporation to implement and evaluate Libraries for Health. RAND brings expertise working on community-based mental wellness interventions including Robert Wood Johnson’s Culture of Health project.