Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Indigent Health Care

Mental Health Task Force

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Serving Children, Adults in Crisis * Jail Diversion, Reduced Recidivism, Continuum of Care Among Program Goals

Since 2004, Williamson County has taken a keen interest in mental health and has worked to advance services to its citizens while continuing to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. More than 20 years ago, leaders in Williamson County recognized that a growing population in the county jail was comprised of nonviolent offenders who needed mental health assistance and … [Read more...] about Mental Health Task Force

HHSC Expands Outpatient Competency Restoration Services in Texas

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     This summer, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced $1 million in federal Mental Health Block Grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration to expand Outpatient Competency Restoration (OCR) services for Texans with mental health and substance use disorders living in mostly rural communities.       Expanding … [Read more...] about HHSC Expands Outpatient Competency Restoration Services in Texas

Indigent Health Care

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County-Run Programs Provide Basic, Optional Services

The Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act of 1985 found in Chapter 61 of the Health and Safety Code requires counties that are not completely covered by a hospital district or public hospital to provide basic health services to indigent residents through a county-run County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP); Texas is home to 143 county-administered CIHCPs. On Sept. 1, … [Read more...] about Indigent Health Care

Never Lose Sight of Service

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Indigent Health Care Coordinators Seek Best Possible Patient Outcome

     The nuts and bolts of county indigent health care are spelled out in state law. But to many program coordinators, success is based on more than a statute. “We are all one catastrophic event or one major illness away from need,” shared Candy Blair, Collin County public health director for the last 17 years. “Imagine having to ask yourself, ‘Do I eat, or do I fill my … [Read more...] about Never Lose Sight of Service

County Indigent Health Care Q&A: Part 2

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Editor’s Note: Our March issue covered the background of county indigent health care, patient eligibility, and county jail inmates. The following completes our two-part series. In 1985, Rita Kelley was serving as the regional planner of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services for the seven-county Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) region. In June of that year, Walt Reedy, … [Read more...] about County Indigent Health Care Q&A: Part 2