Public Policy
One of the primary goals of the Network is to identify and work together as a strong voice representing the behavioral health provider community in greater Houston. For the 87th Legislative Session, NBHP’s top issue is to ensure that the Legislature continues to invest in and improve access to high quality mental health and substance use disorder services in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.
In order to achieve this, we recommend the following:
- Increase funding for a broad spectrum of prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for mental illness and substance use disorders, including for suicide and opioid overdose prevention
- Increase access to tele-behavioral health services across all populations in Texas
- Increase jail diversion options for people with behavioral health issues
- Expand supportive housing and recovery housing options for people with behavioral health issues
- Expand Medicaid or other coverage options for people with behavioral health issues
Take Action Now!
Protect Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services this Session and take action now through
the NBHP Advocacy Alert by clicking here.
New Items:
Download the file below if you would like a copy of NBHP's 87th Legislative Session Platform:
- List of bills NBHP is supporting, 87th Legislative Platform.
- A list of mental health and substance use disorder legislation that NBHP is tracking, Bill Tracker (last updated January 22, 2021).
Download the file below if you would like a copy of NBHP's 87th Legislative Session Platform:
| 87thnbhplegislativeplatform_11.12.20.pdf |
| greater_houston_behavioral_health_final.pdf |
NBHP 86th's Legislative Lunch at the Capitol
On February 5, 2019, NBHP members traveled to Austin for a lunch with legislators with legislators and staff. The group provided them with an overview of NBHP's work, shared our legislative platform, and discussed how NBHP can be a resource to them during the 86th Legislative Session. With the lunch and subsequent visits, the group was able to meet with the majority of the Harris County Legislative Delegation. Coincidentally, that same day, Governor Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State Address and declared improving school safety and creating the Texas Mental Health Care Consortium as emergency items for the legislative session.
On February 5, 2019, NBHP members traveled to Austin for a lunch with legislators with legislators and staff. The group provided them with an overview of NBHP's work, shared our legislative platform, and discussed how NBHP can be a resource to them during the 86th Legislative Session. With the lunch and subsequent visits, the group was able to meet with the majority of the Harris County Legislative Delegation. Coincidentally, that same day, Governor Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State Address and declared improving school safety and creating the Texas Mental Health Care Consortium as emergency items for the legislative session.
