Overview
- More than 500 people attended a Saturday night vigil that honored the 19-year-old and encouraged open conversations among teens and young adults about mental health.
- The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled Mendoza Olmos’ death a suicide after she was found in a field near her home days after disappearing on Dec. 24.
- NAMI Greater San Antonio reports a noticeable increase in calls over the past several days; its Bexar Warm Line (210-939-9999) operates daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in English and Spanish for non-crisis support.
- San Antonio’s chief mental health officer says a shortage of counselors and psychiatrists, alongside dwindling funding, is limiting access to timely care for children and families.
- Officials and advocates urge families to seek referrals through pediatricians or hospitals, use school counselors and the TCHATT program for quicker appointments, and tap resources for uninsured residents such as the Center for Healthcare Services and the San Antonio Community Resource Directory.