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A Bastrop County advocate championing behavioral, developmental and medical care for its residents has stepped down after two decades of dedicated service.
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services is recognizing the incredible contributions of Barbara Bogart, who has served as the county’s representative since her appointment in 2004. Bogart was steadfast in her support for the community and BTCS’s vision of “healthy and fulfilled lives” in Central Texas, organization representatives said. As a former assistant district attorney for Bastrop County, Bogart brought a unique perspective to the board, emphasizing the importance of behavioral health care for individuals involved in the justice system. Her expertise helped strengthen BTCS’s partnerships with local justice programs and expand services to meet the growing needs of the county, according to the organization.
BTCS, a local mental health and developmental disability authority for eight Central Texas counties, has served Bastrop County since 1997 and helps more than 39,900 individuals annually. Governed by a board appointed by each county’s Commissioners Court, BTCS aims to improve the health and independence of the residents it serves.
Bogart once described BTCS as “smart, caring, creative people,” a reflection of her own impact on the organization and its mission, officials said.
Norma Mercado has been appointed as Bastrop County’s new representative on the board. She is the executive director of Bastrop County Cares and brings more than 24 years of experience in education and counseling to the position, along with a Master of Social Work degree from Texas State University.
According to BTCS, Mercado has been instrumental in expanding school-based mental health resources and advocating for youth and families in the region.
