Buda Public Library welcomes free mental health support to community
BUDA, TEXAS (KXAN) -- The Buda Public library is putting an emphasis on the community's mental health.
Buda Public Library patrons will be able to meet with two peer support specialists at the library, as part of St. David’s Foundation’s Libraries for Health initiative and grant.
Specialists Emma Dixon and Victoria Alaniz came to the library through Via Hope with the aim to provide care for the community.
“We are focused on providing support in the community and being an easily accessible resource,” Alaniz said.
Alaniz and Dixon have both personally experienced the mental challenges they are now helping support.
“I experienced my own struggle with mental health and want to be there for the community and provide a minimal barrier for people to get the support and assistance they need," Dixon said.
Although the specialists do not have a mental health license, they are supervised by Ta'Kisha N. Moore, RSPS, MHPS, PSS.
These specialists are available generally on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and twice a month during the Anxiety and Depression Peer Support Group program. They also host Calm Crafting sessions on Tuesdays at 4–6 p.m. and the Mental Health Book Club monthly.
“This is a free resource for the community," Dixon said. "And I want people to know we are here for them.”
The library received the $75,000 grant in 2022 and is dispersed over the fiscal years of 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The following are some items and programs also funded by the grant:
- PsychHub Mental Health Ally Training for patrons and staff.
- Presentations on various mental health and wellness topics.
- Art and mental wellness classes.
- Music therapy classes.
- Classes on mental wellness tools and coping strategies such as journaling, crafting, improv for resiliency, meditation, life organization, and more.
- Literature on mental health and wellness topics.
- Software to organize online resources, calendars, and newsletters.
- Support group for anxiety and depression.