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…
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...
The Words We Use Do Matter
Two bills have been filed this session addressing the use of respectful language when referring to people with disabilities – SB 26 by Senator Zaffirini and HB 1481 by Rep. Truitt. These are important bills as the language we use reflects our values and influences...
Don’t Let Your Voice Go Unheard
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is still allowing for public comment on the draft revisions of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders scheduled for publication in 2013. During an open period for public comment...
On trauma and children’s mental health
Research shows that one in four children will experience a traumatic event or experience before age 16. With such alarming statistics it’s no wonder the Hogg Foundation’s second conference on children’s mental health was so well attended. Young Minds...
Media Coverage of the Texas Legislature
Many thanks to Texas media for robust coverage of mental health policy issues during the 82nd legislative session – especially regarding the potential devastation of proposed funding cuts for public mental health services. Throughout the session, Texas reporters,...