The funds will be distributed in six separate payments over the course of fiscal years 2022-2024.
According to city documents, the purpose of the initiative is to promote positive health outcomes throughout the five-county region served by St. David’s hospitals by providing an on-site, nonclinical mental health worker who can offer direct support to library patrons, provide training for staff and facilitate networking between the Georgetown Public Library and regional libraries.
The grant provides the library with the nonclinical mental health worker, who will be supervised by the foundation. The city of Georgetown is responsible for providing a desk, internet access and access to a private room/space as needed.
The Libraries for Health Initiative launched in August. The program was allocated $1.5 million to distribute within two years to libraries in Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell and Travis counties.
Other libraries that have been awarded grants include the San Marcos Public Library and the Buda Public Library. Applicants were notified in December.
This grant is included in Georgetown City Council’s March 8 statutory agenda.
