Advocacy
The Public Policy team advocates for legislation that drives positive change in mental and behavioral health across Texas. As the fight to secure critical funding for these services in the Greater Houston area intensifies, our work is more important than ever
Mental Health America of Greater Houston’s legislative work centers on community-driven solutions to promote mental health for all in hopes of building a future with more understanding of mental health conditions and promoting the health and well-being of all people as informed by the work of our Center for School Behavioral Health, Integrated Health Care Initiative, and Veteran’s Behavioral Health programs.
Legislative Priorities
Create Supportive School Environments
Maintain substantial investments to existing programs and budget strategies and develop innovative practices to address children’s mental health, specifically school-based prevention and early interventions.
Increase Access to Care and Coverage Options
Improve access to quality health care and reduce barriers to treatment for mental health and substance use conditions.
Address the Shortage of Qualified Behavioral Health Professionals
Explore opportunities to develop and invest in Texas’ behavioral health workforce to address the dire shortage across the state.
Expand Integrated Delivery of Health Care
Incentivized funding strategies and workforce models to increase physical and behavioral health (mental health and substance use) providers using a collaborative, systematic approach to patient-centered care.
Texas Representative, Dade Phelan Awarded 2019 Mental Health Legislator of the Year from MHA of Greater Houston.
Rebecca Fowler and Alexis Villarreal on the first day of the 89th session.
