Public‑health staff report 988 call trends and grant award, outline May outreach in Laredo

City public‑health staff told the City of Bedo Suicide Prevention Committee on April 29 that 988 call‑center activity rose in January and February, dropped in March, and that the department submitted (and reported receiving) grant support tied to strengthening clinical care and system capacity.

At the public‑health report, Mr. Montes said the city submitted materials April 20 and that the award could provide funding “up to five years” and “up to $400,000 per year,” which he described as supporting screening, treatment, follow‑up protocols and evidence‑based behavioral‑health interventions. He said the department exchanged letters of commitment with partner organizations and will continue to integrate the Zero Suicide framework where feasible.

The committee detailed a slate of May Mental Health Awareness Month activities intended to push 988 awareness locally: PJ’s Coffee will print encouraging messages on cups on Fridays in May; a free haircut program run by a local academy will run Thursdays May 7–28 from 4:00–6:00 p.m.; a public mental‑health and abuse symposium (noted in meeting materials) will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at IBCX with exhibits from local service providers; and a health fair/proclamation was scheduled for May 13, 2026 with registration information distributed to members.

Committee members and partners emphasized outreach to veterans and adolescents. Members also cited national reporting about 988 capacity — one member referenced a New York Times story describing millions of 988 contacts since 2022 and the addition of veteran and other routing options — and urged tailored messages for groups less comfortable discussing suicide. Mr. Montes and others stressed that 988 serves crisis‑support needs and that 911 should be used for immediate emergencies requiring first responders.

The committee asked staff to continue coordinating partners, to confirm grant award details and reporting timelines, and to circulate event material to members for distribution to community partners and schools.