Goal #11

Develop and participate in programs to improve mental and physical health

1. Conduct a town hall meeting to provide community education on mental health resources and assistance programs | Fire Department | Start FY 2021 Q2 | Complete FY 2021 Q2

2. Work with a mental health service provider to provide education sessions for DeSoto residents | City Manager’s Office | Start FY 2021 Q1 | Complete FY 2021 Q2

3. Develop a 2021 community calendar focused on events and opportunities designed to improve mental and physical health | Parks Department | Start FY 2021 Q1 | Complete FY 2021 Q1

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3rd Quarter Update
July 2021

The Mental Health Town Hall was conducted on March 8, and a Mental Health Fair is scheduled for September 30 in the Bluebonnet Rooms at Town Center. Dallas Behavioral Health, the DeSoto CARES Team, and DeSoto ISD Counseling have all agreed to participate. Staff is currently working to identify and retain a guest speaker. DeSoto residents, especially seniors, continue to enjoy the Virtual Programing (Calming Room), Mindfulness Mondays (second Monday of the month), Work It Wednesdays ( first Wednesday of the Month), and Fix It Friday (third Friday of the Month).

2nd Quarter Update
April 2021

City staff and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consultant are in the planning stages of organizing a Mental Health Fair with activities geared toward identifying a location and recruiting mental health professionals to participate. The Mental Health Fair has been scheduled for the Fall of 2021 to allow for in-person attendance. The Parks Department continues to offer virtual programming for senior citizens that includes a Virtual Calming Room, Mindfulness Mondays, Work It Wednesdays, and Fix It Fridays.  Additionally, the Mental Health Town Hall was held virtually in March 2021 to provide information about mental health resources to the community. The event was facilitated by the DeSoto Fire Chief, with assistance from Parkland Hospital, the DeSoto Crisis Assessment Resource Engagement (CARE) Team, and Dallas Behavioral Hospital.