The senior director of government affairs for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute was in Amarillo today to speak about healthcare in Texas. 

Nelson Jarrin provided a legislative update by discussing funding and bill opportunities that could benefit the panhandle. 

Mental health is one of the issues that the state legislature is looking to provide more resources to especially children’s mental health. 

“If you can intervene with mental health early, early is best. 50% of mental illness occurs by age 14, so ideally, if we can target those children’s mental health illnesses early, then we can prevent future mental health illnesses from exacerbating as an adult,” said Jarrin.

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute works to create changes so that all Texans can have access to efficient behavioral care when they need it.

For a brief overview of the Texas Mental Health Landscape, click here.