FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec. 12, 2024
Contact: Sudan Britton
Communication/Grants Coordinator
O: 832-947-5634
C: 346-762-0344
sudan.britton@texanacenter.com
CEO INVITES PUBLIC TO CALL LEGISLATORS REGARDING INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (IDD) PROVIDER CRISIS
(ROSENBERG, TX.) — Shena Ureste, Chief Executive Officer at Texana Center, works endlessly to educate the public on the issues Texana Center faces for those with mental illnesses, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and autism.
Ureste educated the Rotary Club of Rosenberg at their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, to spread awareness about the services Texana provides, and to create awareness regarding the crisis for IDD provider services and private providers. When asked what individuals could do to help with the IDD direct care worker wage crisis, Ureste encouraged the community to call, email, and send letters to their legislators.
“Reaching out personally to state officials is the most effective way to make a difference. Tell your legislators an increase from $10.60 per hour for direct care workers to match the increase of $19.61 given to state-level program direct care workers are needed to support the continuation of these valuable programs,” Ureste said.
She also encouraged the group to take a Mental Health First Aid course offered by Texana Center to be able to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is comparable to taking CPR or physical first aid to learn how to save a life. MHFA teaches you not only how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, but also how to assist a friend or loved one on how to ask for help.
“MHFA saves lives,” Ureste said. “If everyone does their part, this will allow Texana Center and other private providers to continue providing quality services to those with IDD.”
Sudan Britton
Communication/Grants Coordinator
2330 Graeber Rd, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471
