The latest Department of State Health Services news from The Texas Tribune.
State lawmakers' 2013 abortion regulations — an effort to circumvent what was spelled out over time by the U.S. Supreme Court — would have been easier to defend with some evidence. But that wasn’t part of the sales pitch. Full Story
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As Texas braces for a possible Zika virus outbreak via local mosquito populations, Gov. Greg Abbott asked federal health officials Wednesday to review the state’s plan to combat the disease. Full Story
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State health officials are urging Texans to protect themselves from mosquito bites — but they aren't helping counties coordinate or pay for those protective measures. Full Story
Throughout May, the Tribune partnered with the Mental Health Channel and KLRU on a series looking at mental health policy issues and some of Texas’ biggest challenges in providing care. Use this page to catch up on our coverage. Full Story
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Public health experts are looking more closely at the issue of suicides in small towns. Full Story
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Texas lawmakers tout recent improvements to the state’s mental health safety net, citing new funding and program expansions. But the state still struggles to provide psychiatric care for all patients who need it. Full Story
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Texas public university officials told lawmakers on Thursday that scientific research using human fetal tissue was limited in scope but crucial to medical advances. Full Story
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A tiger left roaming the streets of Conroe after last week's floods has unearthed a unique complication: There are few statewide regulations regarding dangerous wild animals in Texas. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast — Emily's first back at the helm — she talks to Ross, Morgan and Terri about Sid Miller's ethics challenges, Ken Paxton's legal woes and Greg Abbott's challenges fixing the state's child welfare system. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Ross talks to Ayan, Alexa and Edgar about the aftermath of Wisconsin's presidential primaries, a tragic instance of confusion over the state's abortion laws, and the state's efforts to clean up problems with child protection in Texas. Full Story
Access to preventive health care in heavily uninsured Texas is challenging for its poorest residents, so the state is relying on nonprofit community clinics to be the front line of public health defense. Full Story
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In 2015, Sandra Bland's death jolted a conversation about inmate safety and mental health, while high-profile murder cases continued and Texas was criticized for the lengths it reportedly went through to find execution drugs for death row inmates. Full Story
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Amid an ongoing battle over Planned Parenthood’s participation in the state Medicaid program, Texas health officials are cutting off funding to a Planned Parenthood affiliate for an HIV prevention program. Full Story
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Two sets of attorneys who believe their client doesn't belong on death row are fighting not only the state of Texas but also each other as his case arrives at the U.S. Supreme Court. Full Story
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Holding up San Antonio as an example, a report released Tuesday by the Vera Institute of Justice recommends law enforcement agencies change their practices regarding mental illness, sex workers and addiction. Full Story
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More than two years after the heat of anger over Trayvon Martin's shooting in Florida fused into Black Lives Matter, an Austin chapter is trying to mold its energy into an agenda to influence state lawmakers. Full Story
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In the wake of the hanging death of Sandra Bland and other recent suicides, the state agency that oversees jails is issuing a new inmate intake form so jailers will ask more specific, direct questions when booking people. Full Story
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Veterans sentenced to death in Texas murder cases — and nationwide — might have escaped the punishment if juries had been told about their military service and any ensuing mental health problems, says a report released Tuesday. Full Story
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The committee will review and make recommendations on substance abuse, care for veterans, identifying illnesses early and improving delivery of mental health care. Full Story
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John Hellerstedt will be the next commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, officials said Monday. Full Story
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