Buda Public Library (Photo courtesy of Buda Public Library)
BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — The Buda Public Library is focused on the mental health of its community.
Patrons of the Buda Public Library will have the opportunity to meet with the library's two peer support specialists as part of the St. David's Foundation Libraries for Health Initiative and Grant.
Specialists Emma Dixon and Victoria Alaniz came to the library through Via Hope with the aim of providing care to the community.
“We focus on providing support in the community and being an easily accessible resource,” Alaniz said.
Alanis and Dixon have both personally experienced mental challenges and are now involved in support.
“Having struggled with mental health myself, I want to stand up for the community and provide the minimum barriers for people to get the support and support they need,” Dixon said. Ta.
The professionals are not licensed in mental health but are supervised by Ta'Kisha N. Moore, RSPS, MHPS, PSS.
These professionals are typically available for consultation on Mondays from 1pm to 7pm and twice a month during the Anxiety and Depression Peer Support Group Program. He also hosts Calm Crafting sessions on Tuesdays from 4pm until 6pm, and a monthly mental health book club.
“This is a free resource for the community,” Dixon said. “And we want people to know that we are here for them.”
The library will receive a $75,000 grant in 2022, to be spread over fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Below are also some items and programs funded by grants.
- PsychHub Mental Health Ally Training for Patrons and Staff.
- Presentations on a variety of mental health and wellness topics.
- Art and mental wellness classes.
- Music therapy class.
- Classes on mental wellness tools and coping strategies such as journaling, crafting, improvisation for resilience, meditation, and life organization.
- Literature on the topic of mental health and wellness.
- Software to organize online resources, calendars, and newsletters.
- Anxiety and depression support group.
