Los Angeles – – September 11, 2026 -- Highlands Community Services, a regional behavioral health provider in Southwest Virginia, will be featured in an upcoming segment of the Public Television series "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia," spotlighting trauma-informed care models designed to close service gaps in rural mental health and addiction treatment.
Program targets justice-system diversion for behavioral health crises
The segment examines how sparse rural infrastructure often forces law enforcement officers to act as primary responders during acute psychiatric emergencies, a pattern that drives unnecessary arrests and strains public resources. Highlands Community Services details how direct referral pathways and trauma-informed training for first responders, educators and local agencies redirect individuals from the justice system into clinical treatment settings.
Executive Director cites consistent access to care as strategic priority
"Regardless of diagnosis or demographics, individuals should have consistent access to industry-leading, quality care close to home," said Rebecca Holmes, Executive Director of Highlands Community Services, in remarks tied to the broadcast.
Feedback loops from patients and community partners drive service refinement
The organization says clinical leaders use direct input from patients and community partners -- including schools and law enforcement -- to adjust crisis intervention programs and workforce development initiatives. The approach is framed as a replacement for institutional fragmentation with a coordinated, sustainable system of local care.
"All Access hosted by Andy Garcia" is distributed across Public Television stations nationwide, covering developments in medicine, science, technology and culture.