Jasper County officials agreed with a large number of residents on Monday who expressed concern about what they say is a lack of mental health care service in the area.
Concerned citizens took turns for more than an hour at Commissioners Court, tossing out ideas such as turning the now empty former Deep East Council of Governments building into a health care facility or opening an office at the former Rowe School.
The former Rowe School now houses the Jasper-Newton County Public Health District and the Southeast Texas Food Bank.
Katie Bonnette, of Jasper, accompanied by about 20 supporters, asked the court to put a mental health facility on the agenda and to start work on the issue.
“Three years ago, our community was told that we would have access to mental health services through Spindletop here in Jasper, but that has still not happened.”
“Right now, our community is dealing with not only mental health struggles, but also addiction. People need access to evaluation, counseling, medication, and drug rehabilitation and recovery classes.”
“I also want to recognize Sheriff Chuck Havard for the work being done here to clean up drugs in our community. That effort matters—but when people are released from jail, they still need help. Without support for addiction, mental health, and even trauma from their past, many end up right back where they started,” Bonnette said.
She added, “The problem is, many people here don’t have reliable transportation. Some don’t have cars, can’t afford gas, or simply can’t make long trips. And for families with autistic children, driving an hour or more just to get care is not realistic or manageable.”
“Without local services, people are forced to go without help—or end up in the ER or in jail instead of receiving proper treatment.”
“I have personally looked into several possible buildings and spaces for these services. I believe the old DETCOG Building would be a strong option, especially since it is already owned by the city. This could help remove barriers and make it easier to bring services directly to Jasper,” she added.
“Another option is the former children’s clinic, which is currently available for rent or sale and is already set up as a medical office. That means less time, less cost, and fewer obstacles to getting care up and running for the people who need it.”
I am asking for a clear update. What happened to the plan to bring these services here? And what is being done right now to provide both mental health and addiction support in Jasper?” Bonnette asked county officials.
“Our community deserves a safe place where people can go to get help and truly work on themselves—not just promises.”
“And for many people, that healing also includes access to faith-based support and the opportunity to build a relationship with God as part of recovery.”
“I want to be clear—this need is coming directly from the community. I made a Facebook post asking about the need for mental health services in Jasper, and I received 26 pages of responses from people in this community saying they need access to care or know someone who does. Several people I spoke to personally agreed, and some of them are here today.”
“I respectfully ask that this item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting so we can begin taking real steps toward bringing these services to Jasper.”
County Judge Mark Allen agreed that mental health care is needed and the county provides several services.
Allen urged people to contact their state elected officials and to stress to them that the services are needed.
Spindletop Center in Beaumont is designated to serve Jasper County for behavioral health needs.
Officials said various facilities have been provided to them, but Spindletop has not manned them in Jasper.
Officials with a couple of profit and non-profit companies spoke, saying they will be available for counseling.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Seth Martindale said he is willing to meet with interested people and compile all the services available and take it from there.
The two mental health deputies with the Sheriff’s Office spoke to the group and explained they are available when someone is in a mental crisis.
Mental Health Deputy Mitch Hanley said he and the other deputy are available in a crisis and provide transportation and can deliver medications.
It now takes months to get anyone admitted into Rusk State Hospital.