INDIANAPOLIS — Quinton Holland said he is not often in his office at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center on Indianapolis’ Northwest side. Instead the clinical director for the mental health service provider, “Raising Baselines,” can be found in the community.
“Though these chairs are here, they’re not used as much,” Holland said.
Since starting in 2020, Raising Baselines has worked with upwards of 300 neighbors — some just one time, others long-term. The work is personal for him.
The dad of two said he started the resource in part after seeing friends and family struggle with mental health during the pandemic.
“I realized if those things are happening at home, there is going to be an increase around the city,” Holland said.
His work in the community, though, did not start during the pandemic. Holland has worked in the field since 2011 always with the focus of helping provide mental health resources in the Circle City.
Last week, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and other city leaders spoke out on a proposed pilot program involving a 24/7 mental health response team. It would be made up of trained peers, social workers and even paramedics. The team would respond to non-violent mental health 911 calls rather than the police.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Holland said while applauding the initiative.
Holland notes he has been involved in other citywide mental health programs in the past.
“When you have those situations you need somebody who is probably not the police, especially in urban settings because there’s a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety,” Holland said.
He hopes, the budget, which includes, two million in funding for the team, is approved by the City-County Council next month.
“Anytime you can send a scalpel in instead of a knife, then it's going to be a better situation,” Holland said.
City leaders told WRTV the pilot program would begin early next year if the City-County budget is approved in October.
-
Caitlin Clark returns with 32 points, Fever hand Liberty first loss with 102-88
Caitlin Clark scored a season-high 32 points in her return from a five-game absence, and the Fever handed the New York Liberty their first loss of the season with a 102-88 victory Saturday.
Caitlin Clark returns to Fever lineup, inspires fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Fans traveled from across the country to see Caitlin Clark’s much-anticipated return to the hardwood with the Indiana Fever.
The WNBA's Fever and NBA's Pacers are more than just neighbors in Indianapolis
The Pacers and Fever aren't just neighbors. They're basically basketball family. They have the same ownership, play their games in the same building, cross paths with the other all the time.
Thousands gather for 'No Kings Day of Defiance' protest in Indianapolis
As President Donald Trump plans to celebrate his birthday with a military parade in Washington, D.C., thousands of protesters have gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for "No Kings Day of Defiance."
