We are gathering input to inform recommendations to the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council. Your feedback is critical to ensuring provider perspectives are reflected. Please share your thoughts below.

Current System Gaps and Challenges

• What are the most significant service gaps today in the mental health and substance use treatment system in Texas?

• Which populations or regions are most impacted by these gaps, and why?

• Where do you see the most significant breakdowns in the statewide continuum of care?

• What policy or funding barriers most hinder statewide mental health and substance use treatment service delivery?

Quick recap

The ASAP membership meeting focused on legislative updates and advocacy efforts for substance use disorder services in Texas. Duane Gallagher provided updates on upcoming meetings with HHSC's Executive Commissioner and the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council, while Noelle Delgado discussed potential rate increases and the need for general revenue funding. The group discussed upcoming Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) hearings where members will be asked to testify in support of funding increases, with particular emphasis on securing exceptional items for substance use services. Several members, including Heather Ormond and Carrie Smith from Cinecore Foundation, expressed interest in participating in interim committee testimony regarding mental health and homelessness services. Sherri Layton shared updates on federal policy concerns, including funding threats from the "Big Beautiful Bill" and recent guidance on harm reduction services. The conversation ended with a reminder about participating in strategic planning discussions for Texas's behavioral health system through…

DSHS has an LAR due next Monday. ASAP is providing feedback. You may view the document and leave comments in this thread, or within the document.

For more information on the LAR FY 2028-2029 public hearing, please go to

We are finalizing our recommendations for HHSC as part of the sunset review, and this is your last opportunity to submit comments.

This is a critical opportunity to ensure your voice is reflected in what we submit. HHSC is actively seeking feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change across the system.

Please add your comments directly in the document, or email Noelle at noelle@asaptexas.org