NBC5 Today

NBC5 Today

Dallas nonprofit pushes for bills supporting youth in crisis as legislative deadline nears

With just over two months left in the Texas legislative session, lawmakers are considering several bills aimed at improving mental health and substance use treatment for youth.

The urgency comes as Dallas County sees a staggering 343% increase in youth overdose rates since 2016, according to Dallas County Health and Human Services data on alcohol and substance use prevention.

One North Texas nonprofit, Youth180 is leading the charge to advocate in Austin for policy changes that could expand access to life-saving care for young people.