NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners will receive a mental health annual report from Brown County Human Services Tuesday.

Reports include a review of adult rehabilitative mental health services from the Brown County Bridge on Center, 1113 Center St. The facility offers support services to those with serious mental illness live successfully and independently.

Provider shortages have created limited availability and interfered with access to outpatient mental health services across the region, according to the report. Providers have long wait lists for initial therapy and medication management services appointments.

Brown County’s use of mobile crisis services from Horizon Homes of Mankato remains low with 49 admissions in 2022. This is due to lack of presence in the county and delayed response time due to their main office located in Mankato. Horizon Homes expansion in Brown County is planned for fall 2023.

Psychiatry services are available in Brown County but in-person psychiatric care is limited. New Ulm Medical Center has three medication providers offering mostly virtual appointments.

Southern Minnesota Behavioral Health has one provider offering only virtual access eight hours a week. Eunoia has a virtual provider one day a week. Rapid Access Psychiatry services for children is on hold due to loss of the provider.

Bridge on Center has 54 active members with an average of eight members daily. Staff includes one full time coordinator, a part time case aid and three intermittent, part time weekend staff on Saturday.

Clubhouse activities include bowling, baking, painting, arts & crafts, yard games, walking, monthly birthday party and lunch, card club, game days, grill outs, bingo, puzzles, and educational groups provided by Brown County Public Health interns. Occasional shopping trips to Mankato take place.

Clubhouse groups are great for members to connect with friends and build relationships that can grow over time. It helps give them a safe place to come, feel welcome and not isolate at home.

The county board meeting begins at 9 a.m., May 23 in the courthouse