Mental Health Improvement

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) raised the budget for the Public Mental Health System in 2014. Although, the state has put forth a good effort and made some improvements, Texas is still having a hard time providing proper psychiatric care for all citizens that are in need. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported that the number of accessible beds has remained constant since 2013, including all public and private institutions. Since the state is not able to place the patients in hospitals, many citizens are going without the proper care and attention that is desperately needed. State hospitals have recorded up to 400 people on waiting lists and with the Texas population steadily increasing, we are getting further behind. 

I do believe that the Government should make the necessary improvements to get as many people the appropriate help that they need. I understand that the main concern for the government would be money but there are some changes that can be made. As I discussed previously, reforming the Texas Criminal Justice System could dramatically effect the available funds for government. 

Abandoning those in need only creates a greater danger for society. Mental Health is a serious issue and we must address the problem.