MISSION — Police Chief Cesar Torres alongside Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza and other city officials unveiled the latest police unit added to its mental health unit Tuesday.
The new unit, as well the hiring of two additional mental health officers, is the result of a $229,963 federal grant awarded to the Mission Police Department from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance for this expansion.
“The main goal is to support our citizens who are combating mental health, who are dealing with mental health, who are suffering with mental health,” Torres said. “So, it’s important to bring awareness to let them know they’re not alone.”
Green details replace the blue one would normally see on a Mission police unit. There’s an additional green ribbon near the rear of the vehicle and the words “We can beat Mental Health” on the front passenger side panel.
During the news conference, Torres listed symptoms regarding poor mental health and how to deal or improve one’s mental health such as making time for one’s self and giving themselves a break.
“Don’t forget that everyone has a story,” Torres said. “Treat people with respect and be kind.”
Torres added that this new unit will be taking calls like any other unit but will bring awareness as it patrols the streets of Mission.
Garza invited Councilwoman Jessica Ortega to speak at the podium as she explained that Ortega is passionate in bringing awareness to mental health issues.
“Mental health is a huge problem in our whole country and there are shocking statistics to prove just that when we consider the fact that CDC estimates that one out of five adults experience at least one mental health condition every year,” Ortega said.
Ortega also pointed to the training they’re receiving in order to identify mental health issues.
She added that mental health awareness is a priority for the city of Mission.
“If you know anyone that suffers from mental health, please have them contact the Mission Police Department at (956) 584-5000 or call the suicide lifeline, which is that 988 number,” Torres said.
