Mental illness

Dallas commissioners told the Texas Health and Human Services Commission it has 30 days to find suitable mental health beds or face a lawsuit.

The department’s helpline is less than a year old. But advocates hope state lawmakers fully fund it as farmers and ranchers continue to face hard economic times and isolation.

The lack of space at state mental hospitals has commissioners and staff looking elsewhere.

It’s been about three months since Sophia Lewis’ son Shamond died after being arrested and taken to the Dallas County Jail.