In a recent article for Grantmakers in Health, Rick Ybarra, senior program officer at the Hogg Foundation, explores how philanthropy can contribute to supporting and building a stronger, more robust, and durable nonprofit sector.
Philanthropy has forever espoused the term “sustainability.” We ask in grant applications and in our conversations with grant partners: “What’s your sustainability plan?” and “How do you plan to sustain your program once the grant ends?” Read more…
Outpatient Competency Restoration — Using Scarce Resources More Effectively
In the midst of the current budget crisis, lawmakers are searching for ways to save money and use existing funds more effectively and efficiently. One way to do this is to expand outpatient competency restoration initiatives. When an individual with mental illness is...
Seclusion & Restraint Reduction: A Policy Response and Training Opportunity
On March 17th, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 41 by Senator Zaffirini. The bill addresses the use of restraints in state supported living centers (SSLCs) and includes the following provisions: Prohibits the use of restraints in state supported living centers...
Clubhouse Model Named Evidence-Based Practice
I just wanted to share some really worthy news with everyone. Last week I received a very exciting email from Lisa Yoch, executive director of the Austin Clubhouse. Her message informed me that the Clubhouse Model has been accepted by SAMHSA as an evidence-based...
The Mental Health Workforce Crisis
Texas has a serious mental health workforce crisis. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Methodist Healthcare Ministries collaborated to develop Crisis Point: Mental Health Workforce Shortages in Texas. This document offers important information on the shortage...
Bullying – Students experiencing behavioral health challenges are on both sides of the fence.
Several dozen bills filed this session attempt to address the topic of bullying in Texas public schools. The bills range from being very direct and punitive, to bills that are more comprehensive and try to address both the cause and the consequences. Some think that...
Investing in a Stronger Mental Health Workforce
May is mental health month and many state and national agencies and organizations are highlighting important mental health topics. In my opinion, among the most critical mental health issues facing Texas today is a mental health workforce shortage that affects both...