Fighting for Better Mental Health Care
During his years in the Texas Legislature, Representative David Farabee has been a champion on mental health issues.
He was named “Texas Legislator of the Year” by the Mental Health Association of Texas and he served as co-chair of the Legislative Mental Health Awareness Group. The Legislative Mental Health Awareness Group is made up of members of the Legislature and mental health advocates. The Group was created to develop awareness among legislators and the public about the medical conditions that constitute mental illness and their effects on individuals, families, and society. The organization also seeks to develop awareness of the benefits of treatment and opportunities for recovery for those with mental illness.
Legislative Accomplishments
In 2007, David filed what was declared the “most important bill” by Mental Health Association of Texas – “Mental Health Parity” legislation that would ensure children with mental health disorders receive fair and adequate treatment from their insurance companies.
David also:
- Supported legislation increasing funding for Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) Centers to better care for their patients;
- Advocated for additional mental health benefits for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and
- Supported Mental Health Crisis Intervention for mental health to relieve the mental health burden from law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms.
Approximately one in four Texans and their families are affected by mental illness. David believes that state lawmakers should take the opportunity to be informed about the issues surrounding this medical condition, because improving the mental health of Texas citizens is essential to improving the overall health of our state.
Following his Mother’s Legacy on Mental Health
“My mother, Helen Farabee, started out as a volunteer with the local Mental Health Association and her passion for the issue blossomed. Through her efforts and the hard work of others, they brought mental health issues to the forefront in Texas policy. I am simply trying to follow her legacy by pursuing policies that will ease the burden of families affected by mental illness. In the Legislature, I have been an advocate for greater mental health care, especially for Texas children.
I have never really understood people see a difference between a child’s physical health and their mental health. Of course, this is probably due to the historical stigma placed on mental illness, but it certainly does not justify us ignoring the problem as a public health issue, especially now with all the advancements in mental health treatment.
There should not be a distinction between caring for a child’s mind and a child’s body.”
- Representative Farabee, from a Speech to the Texas Hospital Association Conference on Mental Illness
