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19 hours ago

For rural Texans, access to mental health care is critical

As the executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Texas, I feel especially called to address the importance of mental health care access for rural Texans. According to Mental Health Texas, more than 3.3 million adults in Texas are living with a mental illness. When it comes to treating mental health conditions, access to care is critical. Rural health clinics, which are supported by Medicaid managed care, work to close the gap in care often felt by rural Texans. The coordinated care approach of Medicaid managed care ensures communication within the care team to provide premier care.

myrgv.com
3 days ago

Texas open government laws are here for everyone

Throughout the year, the FOI Foundation helps Texans understand and use the state’s Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act and protects the rights of free speech and free press. Some governments try to block information access by intimidating requesters with unreasonably large cost estimates for producing public records. A written Texas Public Information Act request can also be made through email or on paper.) Access to public information is essential for exercising the right to speak out and hold government accountable as we participate in our democracy. Kelley Shannon is executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas in Austin.

myrgv.com

Texas Dems urge verifying voter registration as deadline nears

As the deadline approaches to register to vote in the November midterm elections, the Texas Democratic Party is urging prospective voters to confirm their registration online and ensure their information is accurate. The voter registration deadline falls on Oct. 11 and Texas voters have until then to submit their registration application by mail or to, if they’re already registered to vote in the state, update their address online. The Republican Party of Texas also offers their own voter registration form at TexasGOP.org/register-vote/. The voter registration application must be postmarked by Oct. 11. When it is time to cast their ballot, voters do not need to have their voter registration card in order to vote.

myrgv.com

Editor’s Note: Valley Roots

Editor’s Note: Valley RootsThis month’s story on Texas’ only native pepper, the chile pequin, originated from a conversation between our new senior editor, Danielle Lopez, and her father. She started her research by calling her dad, who like many Texans, has been on a lifelong quest to find the perfect salsa. “It’s a very common practice among South Texans. She’s looking forward to exploring more of Texas’ cultural diversity and inimitable variety of food in her role as Plates editor. “In our next issue, we have a story about a restaurant in Lubbock that I’m excited about,” she says.

texashighways.com

Apprenticeships help employers fill critical skills gaps

Registered apprenticeships like those offered at SouthTexasCollege provide industry-driven, customized training that empowers Texas employers to fill any skills gaps in their markets while developing their own future workforce. Registered apprenticeships are typically partnerships between employers, local education agencies, local workforce development boards and apprenticeship committees. Employers investing in apprenticeship programs experience improved recruitment and reduced turnover, and they gain a pipeline of skilled employees and future managers. While jobs are booming in Texas today, it is employers who hold the key to filling any skills gaps in their workforce for tomorrow. The state of Texas, in partnership with TWC, offers a comprehensive toolbox of customized skills development programs, including the Registered Apprenticeships program, Skills Development Fund, Skills for Small Business and more.

myrgv.com