Hundreds of mentally ill youth prisoners can't see psychiatrist May 8, 2007 Brownsville Herald, May 5, 2007 AUSTIN - Young inmates on psychotropic medications at one Texas youth prison have not seen a psychiatrist since January, health providers told lawmakers on Friday. State lawmakers said they were shocked at yet more revelations of problems involving the Texas Youth Commission, this time detailing major gaps in health coverage for incarcerated boys and girls. Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said health care in TYC "ain't worth a damn" and questioned whether the state should continue its contract with the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is co-chairman of a legislative committee charged with investigating the agency. Dr. Ben Raimer, UTMB's vice president and CEO for community health services, said he told the legislature that UTMB needed more money in years past, and even asked to get out of the contract. "There is no oversight in the current system," he said. « Back | The Newsroom »