Expanding mental health services in Eudora is one thing community navigator Laura Smith wants to accomplish for her community.
Smith spoke to the Library Board Tuesday night to ask for funding to help support her work this summer.
Smith presented an updated resources guide and spoke on her daily tasks as the link between Eudora, Lawrence and community needs. Smith’s goal was to make the guide as accessible as possible. Copies are available in the library or are available online here.
“You may notice mental health is missing a bit there. We just don’t have any providers in Eudora for mental health,” Smith said. “My goal is to get mental health [service] in Eudora sooner than later.”
Smith serves through United Way, but spoke about a need for funding during the summer. United Way will continue to contract Smith until May before starting up again in the fall.
Smith said calls come in at all hours and a majority are from the police and fire chief. She said she acts as the puzzle piece to connect people in need with the right resource or organization.
Treasurer Amy Jankowski asked Smith how many hours per week she serves as a navigator.
“Well, I’m contracted for 20, but I easily work 40, if not more than that. It’s just a job that doesn’t shut off,” Smith said.
The board gave community navigator funding in previous years and has funds allocated for this purpose.
“I think that we should. I think it’s been a big benefit. Ms. Smith seems to be very on top of it and summertime is probably when we need it most,” Secretary Tim Pringle said.
Board members voted unanimously to fund $2,100 toward Smith’s summer work in the community.
“It looks to me that libraries are going to become the resource center of all towns and cities, and we are just ahead of the time. We are lucky to have Laura,” Director Carol Wohlford said.
In other business, the board is continuing to draft the community survey. The board decided the survey will not be sent out until after the community votes on the school district’s bond issue. The questions, along with the letter that will be sent out with them, are still being finalized and streamlined.
The library also decided to begin training employees on how to use Narcan and will begin keeping the drug in the building. Narcan can be used to treat emergency narcotic overdoses.
The board also discussed upgrades and revisions coming to the library’s emergency and procedural plans, although nothing has been completed yet. Mental health crisis training will also be prioritized among the staff.
The board will meet again at 6:30 p.m. April 18.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]
