Building Momentum for Improved Access in Texas
Authored by: The BD SUMHAC Team
This year, BD SUMHAC played a vital role in a major state advocacy initiative: the drafting and introduction of Texas Senate Bill 2769 (SB 2769). This bill aimed to improve access to inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with bleeding disorders in Texas.
The effort was spearheaded by BD SUMHAC coalition member Melissa Compton, Executive Director of the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation and a member of the Texas State Advocacy Team. Melissa’s leadership in drafting and navigating this initiative was instrumental. She was supported by fellow BD SUMHAC coalition member Shanna Garcia, Director of Development at Texas Central Bleeding Disorders and also a member of the Texas State Advocacy Team.
We’re deeply grateful for the hard work of both Melissa and Shanna — as well as their respective chapters — for the key roles they played in advocacy and relationship-building.
While SB 2769 was not taken up during this legislative session, the groundwork laid was both significant and strategic. BD SUMHAC and the Texas team successfully secured sponsorship from Sen. Molly Cook, who has become a legislative champion for this cause. Together, the team held 62 targeted advocacy meetings with lawmakers, raising awareness, educating decision-makers, and initiating critical conversations about gaps in care for the bleeding disorders community.
These efforts led to the formation of meaningful relationships with legislators and state officials — connections that will strengthen our position when the bill is reintroduced in two years.
This work in Texas is just one example of the power of coordinated, community-driven advocacy. We are proud of the progress made and grateful to Melissa, Shanna, and the Texas State Advocacy Team.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue building toward reintroduction of the bill as well as other meaningful policy changes for the bleeding disorders community!