Tag: Legislative
Great progress, challenges mark Mental Health Awareness Month 2021
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time when we turn our attention toward the importance of improving mental health care while reducing the stigma associated with it. The mental health needs of people across the…
CEO Andy Keller Testifies on COVID-19 Mental Health Impacts, Recommendations
AUSTIN – Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute President and CEO Andy Keller, PhD, presented invited testimony to the Texas House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Article II, Thursday morning about the significant mental health impacts of…
Here’s how Texas must prepare for long battle with COVID-19 mental health issues
The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health in our country — from anxiety to depression to suicide — will require a robust response from federal, state and local officials. As the sharp…
Texas legislature should put mental health funding first during pandemic
When the Texas Legislature convenes in January, there will be no shortage of coronavirus-related issues demanding action, from the many hours of lost instructional time for our students to a surge in Texans who have…
Texas Veterans + Family Alliance
SUMMARY - Texas Veterans + Family Alliance (TV+FA) is an innovative grant program through which local communities can develop solutions and programs to best serve the mental health needs of our veterans and their...
MMHPI Statement on Leadership’s Preservation of Behavioral Health Funding Amidst Budget Reductions
Today Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) President and CEO Andy Keller issued the following statement regarding the preservation of behavioral health funding levels amidst agency budget reductions: “Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, and Speaker…
Texas better positioned to support children’s mental health
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and The Hackett Center for Mental Health are working with providers, advocates, and state leaders who remain focused on the well-being of Texas children, despite the pandemic. Well in…
TTUHSC El Paso receives $165k to help launch new mental health program for youngsters
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recently awarded Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso a $165,000 grant to assist with the launch of a program to improve mental health care for children and…
Sen Nelson speaks at White House Summit
Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, served as a panelist this week at the White House Summit on Transforming Mental Health Treatment to Combat Homelessness, Violence, and Substance Abuse to discuss innovative ways Texas…
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute Applauds Signing of SB 11 & HB 18
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) today applauded Gov. Greg Abbott’s signing of SB 11 and HB 18, historic legislation which will improve access to effective mental health care from the family doctor, provide…
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute Applauds Passage of Historic Mental Health Legislation
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) applauded the final passage of SB 11, which will improve access to mental health care from the family doctor, expand the mental health workforce, and provide real-time help…
Post-Harvey survey shows that mental health problems are pervasive
The Hurricane Harvey Registry revealed something researchers have known for decades: natural disasters contribute to mental health problems. The registry’s recently announced initial findings showed nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced Harvey-related mental health difficulties,...
MMHPI Applauds Sen. Jane Nelson’s Initiatives to Strengthen Texas’ Mental Health System
On June 26, Sen. Jane Nelson announced plans for legislation to strengthen the state’s mental health system. This included creating a consortium to help coordinate state mental health initiatives across health-related institutions of higher education,…
Texas Mental Health Professionals Encouraged to Apply for Loan Repayment Assistance
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals is currently accepting applications for student loan repayment assistance. The funds are available for certain eligible mental health professionals providing care…
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute Recognizes State Leadership for Their Work to Support the Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program
This Veterans Day, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute honors the men and women who served our country, and, especially, their families. We also want to recognize the Texas Legislature and our state leaders, especially…
Okay to Say™ Recognizes State Rep. Garnet Coleman’s Efforts for Raising Awareness Around Mental Health Issues with Leadership Award
Okay to Say™, a community-based awareness campaign committed to expanding the conversation around mental health issues, recognized Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman with the inaugural Okay to Say Leadership Award for his dedication and tireless…
Celebrating Two Years & Looking Forward
The Institute’s first year solidly established its leadership and team infrastructure, priorities, and reputation as a trusted resource. Its second year concentrated on statewide policy work, community engagement projects, and the launch of Okay...
Okay to Say™ Launches in Amarillo as National Mental Health Awareness Month Begins
“Okay to Say,” a statewide initiative aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues and to provide resources to those in need, officially launched in Amarillo today at a luncheon designed to rally support…
Texas Leaders Announce Texas Veterans + Family Alliance
Veterans Day 2015 marks the launch of a bold initiative by the State of Texas to address the mental health needs of veterans and military families: Texas Veterans + Family Alliance. Texas Veterans + Family…
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute Named Administrator of Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Pilot Phase Grant Program
The Texas Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC) recently named the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) administrator of Texas Veterans + Family Alliance, a pilot-phase grant program established by Senate Bill 55 during the…