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Texas Could Make Huge Cuts To Mental Health Programs

By KRWG News

Texas – The Department of State Health Services has outlined nearly $246 million in possible cuts as Texas faces a potential $18 billion shortfall in the next budget period.

The 2011 Legislature will have the final say as agencies respond to budget-trimming orders from Texas leaders, including Gov. Rick Perry.

More than 20,000 Texans who receive state-funded mental health services would lose care under proposed DSHS budget cuts released this week.

DSHS has proposed an $80 million cut to the state's 39 publicly supported community mental health centers.

The agency says $44 million in cuts to psychiatric hospitals in Austin, Terrell (TEHR'-ehl), San Antonio, Rusk and Wichita Falls would eliminate 12 percent of their total capacity.

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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.