Possible Texas mental health cuts raise concern after Arizona shooting

Texas already ranks 49th in the nation in spending on mental health care and now faces steep cuts because of a budget shortfall of up to $27 billion. The potential reductions come at a time of heightened concern about the mental health system nationwide after the shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz., where six people were killed and 13 injured. The man accused in the attack had a history of erratic behavior and had been asked to get a mental health evaluation.
Kim Horner: http://dallasne.ws/i5yO0o

Program for mentally ill offenders offers compassion in court

Nonviolent mentally ill defendants can now seek treatment to regain competency – the ability to help their attorneys with their defense – on an outpatient basis instead of waiting four to six months in the Dallas County Jail for a bed at a state hospital where they are stabilized enough to assist in their cases.
Jennifer Emily reports.