Bob Brown, a Fort Worth‑based attorney and United States Army veteran, has been a steadfast board member of My Health My Resources (MHMR) of Tarrant County for almost three decades. His service began when former commissioner Marti Van Ravenswaay’s office sought a lawyer to join the board, and Brown answered the call, drawing on both his legal training and personal connection to an uncle with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Legal expertise fuels community impact
Brown earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law, where he took a course on mental‑health commitments. “We actually appeared in court for people who were being committed under the statutes in effect at the time,” he recalled. That experience laid the groundwork for a career spent advocating for the most vulnerable Texans.
Pro bono work for veterans
In addition to his MHMR duties, Brown volunteers with Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans, a pro bono organization that assists service members with legal matters ranging from adoption to landlord‑tenant disputes. He also helped launch the Veterans Coalition of Tarrant County, a nonprofit that unites local agencies to fill gaps in veteran services.
State‑wide advocacy
Brown represents MHMR on the Texas Council of Community Centers, traveling to Austin to meet legislators, testify before congressional committees and lobby on behalf of mental‑health resources. He cites a memorable early‑2000s effort when the council successfully opposed a proposal to shift community‑center work to private insurance companies, preserving public‑sector care for those in need.
National representation
Beyond Texas, Brown served a term on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, where he advocated for mental‑health organizations in Washington, D.C., and neighboring states. His testimony helped shape policy discussions at the federal level, reinforcing the importance of publicly funded mental‑health services.
Recognition as a local unsung hero
Brown’s long‑term commitment earned him a nomination for the Fort Worth Report’s “52 Faces of Community” series, which spotlights everyday heroes across North Texas. Catherine Carlton, chief of staff for MHMR of Tarrant County, praised him, saying, “Bob represents MHMR, translates MHMR and connects people to its mission. He leads with his professional expertise and deep care for people most in need. He is a champion of our employees and our patients.”
Why service matters
When asked what drives his volunteerism, Brown answered, “I think mainly that’s something I can give back to the community and to those people who are the most vulnerable in our state, our country.” His story underscores how dedicated individuals can amplify the reach of public health agencies, ensuring that mental‑health care remains accessible to all Texans.
Brown will join other honorees at a year‑end luncheon sponsored by Central Market, H‑E‑B and JPS Health Network, celebrating the quiet contributions of citizens who strengthen the fabric of Tarrant County.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
