News and Events

WACO, TX – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have studied that mental health disorders are associated with heart disease. Risk factors include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic stress. The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) has spent the past two years ensuring community members receive physical and mental health support after becoming a Texas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

Since 1963, the U.S. has celebrated American Heart Month in February. By bringing awareness to heart disease, individuals can learn more about their heart and how to care for and detect signs of cardiovascular disease.

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD have been evident in individuals who have suffered from cardiac events, including heart failure, stroke, and heart attack. Factors such as pain, fear of death or disability, and financial problems can be brought on by these disorders.

“There is a large correlation between mental and physical health. If a person is not mentally healthy, they are in no frame of mind to take care of their physical health. That is why the Integrated Clinic, and the Wellness Programs, were formed. In the clinic, we work with consumers to ensure they can access all their medications, specialist appointments, and psychiatric appointments,” says Mary Walker, Care Coordinator for HOTBHN and Waco Family Medicine.  

HOTBHN strives to offer accessible, caring, and responsive support services to Central Texans in a six-county catchment area, including McLennan, Hill, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, and Limestone counties. For more information, please visit our website at www.hotbhn.org, or for crisis services, our Crisis Services Hotline is available 24/7 with a toll-free call at 866-752-3451.

Contact:

Tanya Ledesma, Public Information Coordinator

tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org Cell: (254) 640-5229

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