Gámez: Why we need a state-supported mental health task force in Cameron County

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez of Brownsville has filed legislation to set up a state recognized and supported county mental health task force.House Bill 1904 would set up a pilot program in Cameron County to prove its success. If it successful it could be replicated across the state.“Our county has recently been making strides in increasing access to mental health services for our community members. Today we took another step in the right direction in filing legislation which will create a state recognized and supported county mental health task force,” Gámez said.In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Gámez said the task force would focus on all aspects of mental and behavioral health.She said these would include “identifying and removing barriers to mental health access, identifying best practices in law enforcement response to individuals suffering a mental health crisis, and connecting and building upon existing resources to fill in gaps and maximize the use of our public money.”Additionally, Gámez said, the task force would coordinate and take input from existing efforts at the local, state, and national level to address the mental health needs of the community.“The task force will be composed of community members who are already on the front lines and meeting individuals where they are. Passing this legislation will help continue our county's efforts to meet the mental health needs of our community,” Gámez added.The attached audio file features an interview with Rep. Gámez about House Bill 1904.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.