Texas to Receive Nearly $11 Million to Improve Crisis Intervention Programs

HHSC Provides Investigation Results to Attorney General Ken Paxton

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has completed their investigation related to so-called “birth tourism.” Earlier this month, Governor Greg Abbott’s asked the commission to look into reports that hospitals near the Texas-Mexico border were engaged in advertising targeting foreign nationals who want to secure American citizenship for their children. The Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas, and Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas allegedly had billboards and websites including “havemybabyinTEXAS.com.” HHSC Chief Council Karen Ray says, “Texas healthcare providers that receive state or federal funding may be soliciting birth tourism in Texas. If true, this conduct is detrimental to the public interest and may violate both state and federal law.” In a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Ray adds, “I am referring this matter to your office for investigation and appropriate legal action.” HHSC says the two hospitals are affiliated with the Prime Healthcare Foundation out of Ontario, California.

Blinn College District Receives Texas Educational Theatre Association’s Award of Distinction

The Blinn College District has received the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s (TxETA) prestigious Award of Distinction, one of the highest honors given by the Association. Blinn is one of four TxETA Exemplary Higher Education Programs, recognizing outstanding contributions to raising standards for theatre education. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our students and theatre arts faculty to both excellence and creativity,” said Debbi Vavra, Dean of Arts, Kinesiology, and Agriculture. “We are proud to be recognized for the positive impact our Theatre Arts Program has on our college, our community, and theatre education across Texas.” Blinn will be among the schools honored Oct. 2 at TxETA’s annual TheatreFest conference in Galveston. “We applaud Blinn for its remarkable efforts in promoting theatre arts,” said Travis Springfield, TxETA past president. “Its program serves as a model of creativity, community, and educational excellence.” To earn an Award of Distinction, schools must annually submit a detailed application demonstrating their dedication to theatre. Points are awarded on a range of criteria, including: quality and quantity of theatrical performances, a robust play library and access to acting spaces, community and administrative support for theatre programs, student involvement in University Interscholastic League contests, participation in theatre design competitions, and theatre technology. The Award of Distinction is a tiered honor, with levels ranging from Recognized to Exemplary. More than 180 campuses, colleges, and school districts submitted applications to be recognized through the Awards of Distinction program. Blinn’s Theatre Arts Program cultivates a quality educational foundation of study, application, and experience through a wide range of performance, technical, and production studies. Its Associate of Arts degree plan integrates artistic, technical, and academic disciplines of theatre from the classroom to the stage. Students have an opportunity to audition for a variety of performances related to drama and theatre, and are prepared to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Courses and performance opportunities are offered at Blinn’s campuses in Brenham and Bryan. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/theatre.

Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Flash Flood Danger

Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated emergency response resources in advance of upcoming severe weather in Texas. On Monday, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather and flash flooding threats expected to impact multiple regions of Texas over the next several days. According to the National Weather Service, a moisture-rich weather pattern are expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy rainfall to large portions of Texas through the end of the week. Slow-moving storms may present flash flooding risks across large portions of North, West, Central, South, and East Texas beginning tonight, with the main threats expected early-to-mid week. Primary hazards include rainfall and flash flooding, with stronger thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail. At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather response operations: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Urban Search and Rescue Teams, and rescue swimmers to assist with flood rescues Texas Division of Emergency Management: All Hazards Group responders and regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists; Blackhawk helicopters to assist with flood rescues Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring roadway and transportation conditions Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, and the Tactical Marine Unit Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power-outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural-gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring The Bryan Fire Department announced today that they will be sending three swift water boat operators and one helicopter search-and-rescue team member as a part of the effort. Be sure to monitor local forecast information and stay weather aware. Do not drive into water. Proactively prepare for storms by reviewing family communication plans, assembling an emergency supply kit, and following instructions issued by local officials.