Crossroads Community Services updates Charlotte County on mental‑health access; board approves $2,500 for Southside ASAP

Dr. Melba Moore, executive director of Crossroads Community Services, told the Charlotte County Board on Oct. 8 that the agency has emphasized data in its decisions this year and will return to the board with department‑level updates.

Emergency Services Director Kyle Vaught reported improvements in prescreening checklists and staff training over the last three months and said Charlotte’s clinic will offer same‑day access "in the near future." Vice‑Chair Hazel Bowman Smith said she was disappointed that same‑day access was not yet available and described a 10‑day goal for non‑emergent services as excessive; Vaught clarified that 10 days applies to non‑emergent therapy and medication management, and that emergencies are seen anytime during normal business hours.

The board also agreed to appropriate $2,500 from undesignated funds to Southside ASAP after a motion by Vice‑Chair Smith and a second by Supervisor Noah Davis; the motion carried with all present voting yes.

Crossroads staff emphasized training and screening checklists as tools to improve access and outcomes; Vaught said the department has seen measurable improvement and is working to expand same‑day access at the Charlotte clinic.