Despite Texas Republicans’ support for mental health care after shootings, funds have been sparse for years
Without a direct source of state funding for mental health care, school districts in Texas are forced to rely on a patchwork of state and federal programs, most of which do not guarantee that money will flow to mental health services for students or training for teachers.
“A critical lesson learned in the years following the Santa Fe High School shooting is funding alone is not enough,” Gulley said. “Instead, the state must connect financial resources to guidance on the most effective strategies to support the safety and well-being of educators and students following such a catastrophic event.”
Lakey previously led the Texas Department of State Health Services and is a medical doctor. From a public health standpoint, he said, mental health is one of several issues that need attention after Uvalde, as well as school safety measures and gun control. Since Uvalde, Abbott and other state leaders have signaled plans to again ramp up spending on mental health care and other areas they believe will help prevent school shootings., Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan last week assigned committees in each chamber of the Legislature to study existing school safety laws and recommend new policies related to mental health, social media, police training and firearm safety.
Jessica Weaver, CEO of Communities in Schools of San Antonio, said growing demand for mental health professionals and services left it 10 hires short of its goal of placing 198 staff members in 160 campuses at several school districts, including site coordinators who can refer students to its mental health services.
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