I recently stood before Henderson city leaders with a simple message: we should not have to wait until someone reaches a crisis before mental health support becomes accessible.

I know our city officials are doing the best they can, and I appreciate the work already being done throughout Henderson. This petition is not about criticizing our leaders or suggesting that nothing is being done. It is about building on that work, bringing more people to the table, and exploring another way we can support the mental health of our community.

As a graduate student and intern therapist, and the owner of the nonprofit Cowboy Joe Foundation, I see the importance of meeting people where they are. Our teachers, first responders, city employees, parents, young people, and other members of our community carry stress every day, but getting professional help is not always easy or convenient.

I believe Henderson has an opportunity to try something different.

I am asking Henderson city leaders to explore a pilot program that expands access to licensed mental health professionals through partnerships with local mental health providers, city departments, first responders, schools, employers, and community organizations.

This does not have to happen everywhere at once.

Start with one department. One partnership. One location.

Give people access to a licensed mental health professional, track the results, listen to the people being served, and learn what works. If the pilot makes a difference, we build from there.

When I spoke at Henderson City Hall, something happened that showed me this conversation is worth continuing. City leaders listened. Mental health and wellness professionals expressed interest in collaborating. Police officers stopped me afterward and thanked me for speaking up.

That showed me that people across different parts of our community recognize the need and are willing to have this conversation.

Now, I want to help turn that conversation into action.

This petition asks Henderson leaders to bring the right people to the table and explore a realistic pilot program that makes licensed mental health support easier to reach before someone reaches their breaking point.

This is not about placing another burden on our city leaders. It is about working together, using resources and partnerships already in our community, and seeing what we can accomplish when mental health care becomes more accessible.

If you believe Henderson can lead by bringing mental health support closer to the people who need it, please sign this petition and share it with others in our community.

Let’s start small, learn from it, and build something that could make a lasting difference.