Hello Everyone:

In the spirit of community, I would first like to acknowledge “how sweet it is” to be in a new and prosperous year. Happy 2016 to everyone! As you recall early last year Citizens Advocating for Social Equity (C.A.S.E.) made several inquiries related to systemic discrimination based on language (evidenced by data, lack of signage, lack of resource appropriation and insufficient operations) against Asian Americans currently receiving and attempting to receive services at Texana. We also sought to address a board compliance issue related to policy and contractual obligation for Texana to have demographic parity and inclusion on their board to operate as a LMHA (Local Mental Health Authority).

I was privileged to find time in my busy schedule today to attend my first ever Texana board meeting. I learned a lot about the great work Texana is doing in the community as well as the many challenges they face. It was a pleasure meeting you Lori (Compliance Officer). Your demeanor (Lori) is really kind and genuine. It was also gratifying to see so many Asian Americans “pack the board room” in pursuit of equitable service delivery and access.

We received word and visited Texana and noticed interpreter available signage in your waiting areas which is a step in the right direction. However, we are not confident that Texana knows how to develop and deliver a culturally and linguistically appropriate service continuum for diverse clientele. Successes in this area are purposeful, continuous, and evidence based. I was excited to hear about equity funding coming down the pipe from DSHS (Department of State Health Services) but I must admit I lack understanding about its use. What is this money for exactly? How is it being used across the state? Money labeled equity funds fascinates me. Who do I contact at Texana and with DSHS to learn more?

The compliance issues for us in 2016 remains the same toward Texana. Lori was these issues acknowledged as official 2015 “compliance issues” in your report to the board today? If they were assigned as compliance issues what was the outcome? If they were not assigned as compliance issues what is the reason? Today, we briefly spoke with the Vice President of the board (seemingly the only African American on the board) and informed him that board compliance with demographic parity and inclusion was raised as a concern in 2015. He seemed unaware and stated that he would share this information with the board. The board meeting today was filled with white people at the table of decision making and African Americans and Asian Americans sitting in the “back of the bus” in the room. In the most diverse county in the nation, this just should not be!

C.A.S.E. will be engaging community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens this 2016 election year to highlight racial and cultural disparities in mental health among publicly funded entities. As a community partner, we would like to make Texana our poster child for great collaboration and improvements in mental health for “all” Texans.

Also I was concerned about whether Texana is following board and state contracting regulations for their financial auditor. The conversations held today about not submitting solicitation for bids as required by DSHS in an effort to specifically keep this particular contractor on board were disturbing. It was disturbing because in the comments made there was almost a blatant disregarded awareness of DSHS requirements, kick back speech about Texana housing services in this contractor’s building (dual relationship), and from my vantage point a “good old boy” relationship with this contractor on the backs of tax payers. I may be mistaken but on the outside looking in, the conversation was about favors than about compliance. Please check in to this matter! “We, The People” are taking a stand against our tax payer dollars (public resources) being used to keep all the boys at the table regardless of their race, gender, and persuasions.

Thanks,

Vanesia R. Johnson,

Chairperson

(January 27, 2016- Edited)