To discuss the impact national mental issues have upon Abilene and the surrounding Big Country communities, Mental Health America of Abilene (MHAA), Hendrick Health System and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Abilene campus hosted MHAA’s Fourth Annual Mental Health Symposium Aug. 25 at the TTUHSC School of Nursing.

The 2018 symposium, titled, “Legislative Initiatives, Ethical Considerations and Women’s Mental Health,” explored how women’s health issues impact society and what is being done within the legislature to address these issues.

The symposium also provided information about mandatory Child Protective Services (CPS) reporting guidelines and the related ethical considerations to which professionals must adhere. In addition, the program sought to increase attendees’ knowledge of the criminogenic risk for mental health care and increase understanding of co-occurring disorders and treatment intervention options.

State Rep. Stan Lambert provided legislative updates regarding mental health and Dawn McKeehan, a Smart Justice project manager for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, discussed solutions to data-driven systems transformation. Abilene attorney Taylor Tomanka discussed issues related to ethics and reporting abuses and neglect. Others speakers include Andy Meiron from CPS, and Sherri Layton from La Hacienda Treatment Center in Hunt, Texas.