2020 was a year like no other, one that highlighted the strength and resilience of our communities as we faced daunting challenges and loss. Looking back across the year for Integral Care, I am heartened by the commitment, compassion and creativity of our teams. Through our first digital only FY2020 Annual Report, I invite you to learn about our work to improve the lives of adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Travis County.
As the Local Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for Travis County, our services are part of the publicly funded response to any disaster or crisis. We collaborated with other agencies and organizations to support our whole community as the COVID-19 global pandemic hit our communities. As dedicated public servants, our employees continued to provide face-to-face services as well as rapidly transitioning many to telehealth and telephone to support the health and safety of clients and staff.
As we personally and professionally tackled the pandemic, our nation faced a renewed call for racial justice and equity after the murder of George Floyd. In response, our Board of Trustees appointed a Board/Staff Ad Hoc Committee on Racial Equity and our staff initiated a town hall and other events to explore how our organization can learn about our own institutional racism and address structural inequities. Our board and staff together are exploring these issues with compassion for each other and a commitment to change.
Integral Care is committed to the health and well-being of our community every day – in good times and bad. If this year has taught us one thing, it’s that we are stronger together.