For Immediate Release
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Austin— 6/15/2021 — Nueces County today released a first-of-its-kind health equity report that sheds light on the role that social, economic and neighborhood conditions have played in shaping and perpetuating health disparities in Nueces County—including COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on low-income and communities of color. The report, Advancing Health Equity in Nueces County Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic, provides actionable community data and a roadmap of concrete actions to launch an equitable recovery from COVID-19 for all county residents.
Led and developed by Texas Health Institute—the report analyzes public data on COVID-19 and other health outcomes in the context of broader social, economic, and community measures by race, ethnicity and other demographic groups at county, ZIP code and census tract levels. Also featured are findings from key informant interviews with public health, health care, social service, and community stakeholders, along with a review of current community resources and programs to address food insecurity, housing, and other social needs. Accompanying the report is an interactive health equity data dashboard for Nueces County, developed by Accenture in collaboration with Texas Health Institute.
Together, the purpose of the Nueces County health equity and COVID-19 dashboard and report is to provide timely, community-centered COVID-19 data and insights to guide an equitable response—including vaccine strategy—and recovery for all people in Nueces County.
“This groundbreaking study provides important data and insights so we can more fully understand the health disparities and their root drivers in Nueces County,” said Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge. “They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and by making informed decisions that address issues at the source, we can make strides to make Nueces County a place where every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.”
Some of the key takeaways from the report include:
The path to recovery for many communities in Nueces County will be an arduous and involved process. Community stakeholders identified county leadership, health care systems, academic institutions, and community organizations as key assets working to improve the conditions and health of Nueces County residents. The community recognized that to bring systems-level change and long-term recovery will require the concentrated effort of cross-sector partners collaborating to address the root causes of health inequities faced by Nueces County residents.
“Emerging from this pandemic a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Nueces County will require addressing the legacies of the past and inequities of the present, and building opportunities centered in health equity for the future.” stated Nadia Siddiqui, Chief Health Equity Officer at Texas Health Institute.
About Texas Health Institute-- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
Led and developed by Texas Health Institute—the report analyzes public data on COVID-19 and other health outcomes in the context of broader social, economic, and community measures by race, ethnicity and other demographic groups at county, ZIP code and census tract levels. Also featured are findings from key informant interviews with public health, health care, social service, and community stakeholders, along with a review of current community resources and programs to address food insecurity, housing, and other social needs. Accompanying the report is an interactive health equity data dashboard for Nueces County, developed by Accenture in collaboration with Texas Health Institute.
Together, the purpose of the Nueces County health equity and COVID-19 dashboard and report is to provide timely, community-centered COVID-19 data and insights to guide an equitable response—including vaccine strategy—and recovery for all people in Nueces County.
“This groundbreaking study provides important data and insights so we can more fully understand the health disparities and their root drivers in Nueces County,” said Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge. “They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and by making informed decisions that address issues at the source, we can make strides to make Nueces County a place where every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.”
Some of the key takeaways from the report include:
- Where a person lives in Nueces County shapes their opportunities for health and how long they live. A resident in a predominantly low-income, community of color in the Northside can expect to live to just 70 years, compared to a resident in a higher-income neighborhood in the East who can expect to live to 85 years in the county.
- ZIP Codes with the highest COVID-19 rates in Nueces County had higher percentages of Hispanic residents, people living in poverty, individuals working frontline jobs, and uninsured population. These same ZIP codes also had higher rates of chronic disease such as diabetes and obesity.
- Predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, such as Hillcrest, Washington-Coles, and Central City, face the highest rates of chronic disease and poor health outcomes in Nueces County. These are the same neighborhoods impacted by a legacy of discriminatory policies of the past, such as redlining and segregation, that have placed them at risk for continued disadvantage going forward.
The path to recovery for many communities in Nueces County will be an arduous and involved process. Community stakeholders identified county leadership, health care systems, academic institutions, and community organizations as key assets working to improve the conditions and health of Nueces County residents. The community recognized that to bring systems-level change and long-term recovery will require the concentrated effort of cross-sector partners collaborating to address the root causes of health inequities faced by Nueces County residents.
“Emerging from this pandemic a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Nueces County will require addressing the legacies of the past and inequities of the present, and building opportunities centered in health equity for the future.” stated Nadia Siddiqui, Chief Health Equity Officer at Texas Health Institute.
About Texas Health Institute-- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Austin— 3/31/2021 — Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst and Representative Joseph Deshotel recently filed bills, SB 1152 and HB 3145, in their respective chambers relating to Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided to certain adults with disabilities. The act intends “to prevent serious medical conditions and reduce emergency room visits necessitated by complications resulting from a lack of access to dental care” and provide “reimbursement for at least one preventive dental care visit per year, for an adult recipient with a disability who is enrolled in the STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care program” to take effect September 1, 2021.
“It is clear from both HHSC data and common sense that providing a preventative dental benefit will reduce costly emergency room visits and inpatient hospital admissions that result from poor oral health,” said Senator Kolkhorst. “That's why SB 1152/HB 3145 are important, because this legislation will first and foremost improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities and in the process also lower overall costs in Medicaid.”
“COVID-19 Pandemic has put a strain on our healthcare system and families. We should be looking at every avenue to ease the cost associated with our healthcare,” said Representative Deshotel. “Texas is behind when it comes to preventative care which hurts the individual and ultimately the taxpayer. SB 1152 /HB 3145 is a step forward for our vulnerable families and their healthcare.”
Texas Health Institute recently developed a cost analysis brief, Implementing a Medicaid Dental Benefit for Adults with Disabilities Can Yield Significant Cost Savings, which outlines three primary sources of potential cost savings associated with dental benefits for adults with disabilities. The analysis found that for every dollar in program expenditures, there are $3.58 in potential cost savings that could be realized by avoiding hospitalizations and emergency department visits from non-traumatic dental conditions while preventing and better managing chronic conditions.
“We are pleased to see action being taken on a state-wide level to advance the health of all Texans through the introduction of SB 1152 /HB 3145,” said Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, THI Executive Director. “Based on our analysis implementing a Medicaid dental benefit for adults with disabilities would both yield significant cost savings and take us one step closer to achieving health equity.”
Medicaid reimbursement for dental services can achieve significant cost savings, improved health outcomes, and many intangible benefits associated with improved oral health and greater quality of care. Implementing a Medicaid dental benefit in Texas is an important step in advancing the health of all.
About Texas Health Institute-- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
Note: Since the press release, the provisions of SB1152 are incorporated into SB1136.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
“It is clear from both HHSC data and common sense that providing a preventative dental benefit will reduce costly emergency room visits and inpatient hospital admissions that result from poor oral health,” said Senator Kolkhorst. “That's why SB 1152/HB 3145 are important, because this legislation will first and foremost improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities and in the process also lower overall costs in Medicaid.”
“COVID-19 Pandemic has put a strain on our healthcare system and families. We should be looking at every avenue to ease the cost associated with our healthcare,” said Representative Deshotel. “Texas is behind when it comes to preventative care which hurts the individual and ultimately the taxpayer. SB 1152 /HB 3145 is a step forward for our vulnerable families and their healthcare.”
Texas Health Institute recently developed a cost analysis brief, Implementing a Medicaid Dental Benefit for Adults with Disabilities Can Yield Significant Cost Savings, which outlines three primary sources of potential cost savings associated with dental benefits for adults with disabilities. The analysis found that for every dollar in program expenditures, there are $3.58 in potential cost savings that could be realized by avoiding hospitalizations and emergency department visits from non-traumatic dental conditions while preventing and better managing chronic conditions.
“We are pleased to see action being taken on a state-wide level to advance the health of all Texans through the introduction of SB 1152 /HB 3145,” said Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, THI Executive Director. “Based on our analysis implementing a Medicaid dental benefit for adults with disabilities would both yield significant cost savings and take us one step closer to achieving health equity.”
Medicaid reimbursement for dental services can achieve significant cost savings, improved health outcomes, and many intangible benefits associated with improved oral health and greater quality of care. Implementing a Medicaid dental benefit in Texas is an important step in advancing the health of all.
About Texas Health Institute-- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
Note: Since the press release, the provisions of SB1152 are incorporated into SB1136.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE
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Assessment and analytics platform to focus on underserved communities
Corpus Christi — 1/25/2021– The Nueces County government and hospital district have launched an innovative effort to develop a health equity report and data analytics platform. The combined offering will provide actionable insights to inform policy-making and programs that improve community and health conditions for Nueces County residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future.
The project will be conducted by Texas Health Institute (THI), leading the assessment of COVID-19 and community health needs and inequities, review of existing policies, and key stakeholder engagement. Professional services firm Accenture will provide technology services, data science and analytics capabilities in collaboration with THI for the research, reporting and development of a new actionable data dashboard for Nueces County.
“Nueces County is determined to learn from the pandemic, including looking at how we responded and how people fared, and to take this opportunity to improve economic and health conditions going forward,” said Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge. “We will also be looking to spotlight and network ideas with other areas of the state hit especially hard by the pandemic, for instance South Texas and the entire border region.”
The initiative will help fill a critical gap in timely, community-centered health and COVID-19 data that is central to better understanding conditions of communities most impacted by public health crises, and guiding an equitable response and long-term recovery for all people in Nueces County—especially those historically marginalized.
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said “Mitigating the negative impact of COVID-19 on our community, and learning from the experience to improve local government operations for the future is my top priority, and this project serves these important goals.”
Launched in late October, the dashboard and report release is planned for Spring 2021. THI is providing project management services and subject matter expertise to help guide and inform the project from a health equity lens. It is also interviewing leaders of community-based organizations to help inform the dashboard development, framework, and metrics. Concurrently, they will develop a summary report including recommendations building on identified community needs. Accenture is operationalizing the data platform or “dashboard,” drawing upon public data sets covering Nueces County including data on COVID-19, chronic disease, mental health, access to healthcare, social, economic, and environmental drivers of health.
“Leveraging our experience in health equity and community health, THI is developing a turn-key solution for Nueces County, looking to turn this crisis into an opportunity,” said Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, THI Executive Director. “COVID-19 has underscored the importance of being proactive and pursuing system-wide solutions. Through the combined offering we seek to empower community leaders and residents with actionable insights and proven solutions, all geared toward a healthier and more resilient Nueces County. We hope this initiative will provide a community-centered, data-driven framework for advancing health equity in other communities across the state.”
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
The project will be conducted by Texas Health Institute (THI), leading the assessment of COVID-19 and community health needs and inequities, review of existing policies, and key stakeholder engagement. Professional services firm Accenture will provide technology services, data science and analytics capabilities in collaboration with THI for the research, reporting and development of a new actionable data dashboard for Nueces County.
“Nueces County is determined to learn from the pandemic, including looking at how we responded and how people fared, and to take this opportunity to improve economic and health conditions going forward,” said Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge. “We will also be looking to spotlight and network ideas with other areas of the state hit especially hard by the pandemic, for instance South Texas and the entire border region.”
The initiative will help fill a critical gap in timely, community-centered health and COVID-19 data that is central to better understanding conditions of communities most impacted by public health crises, and guiding an equitable response and long-term recovery for all people in Nueces County—especially those historically marginalized.
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said “Mitigating the negative impact of COVID-19 on our community, and learning from the experience to improve local government operations for the future is my top priority, and this project serves these important goals.”
Launched in late October, the dashboard and report release is planned for Spring 2021. THI is providing project management services and subject matter expertise to help guide and inform the project from a health equity lens. It is also interviewing leaders of community-based organizations to help inform the dashboard development, framework, and metrics. Concurrently, they will develop a summary report including recommendations building on identified community needs. Accenture is operationalizing the data platform or “dashboard,” drawing upon public data sets covering Nueces County including data on COVID-19, chronic disease, mental health, access to healthcare, social, economic, and environmental drivers of health.
“Leveraging our experience in health equity and community health, THI is developing a turn-key solution for Nueces County, looking to turn this crisis into an opportunity,” said Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, THI Executive Director. “COVID-19 has underscored the importance of being proactive and pursuing system-wide solutions. Through the combined offering we seek to empower community leaders and residents with actionable insights and proven solutions, all geared toward a healthier and more resilient Nueces County. We hope this initiative will provide a community-centered, data-driven framework for advancing health equity in other communities across the state.”
# # #
For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE
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Austin— 12/2/2020 -- The Texas Primary Care Consortium (TPCC) is pleased to release a new report, Making Primary Care Primary: A Prescription for the Health of all Texans and a first-of its-kind interactive dashboard. Texas ranks 51st in the US with the highest rates of uninsured adults and 46th in the US for potentially avoidable emergency department visits. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new sense of urgency for change. However, it has also offered an opportunity to rethink, reimagine, and rebuild a better, more cost effective health system. With the intent to strengthen and sustain a strong primary care system as a foundation for high functioning health system in Texas TPCC is proud to share these new resources which position Texas to be at the forefront of health system transformation in the US.
The detailed report provides a data-driven, evidence-informed, comprehensive understanding of key issues essential to advancing primary care and health system transformation in Texas. It synthesizes data and perspectives to assess our needs, captures lessons learned, and highlights best practices and challenges while taking a forward-looking orientation to possibilities and uncertainties ahead. The report development was guided by a statewide advisory committee to derive consensus from leaders and stakeholders on what is necessary to sustain the progress to date and develop a comprehensive blue print to advance primary care and health system transformation in Texas. Outcomes from this project provide a real-time, 360-degree view of how the state’s health system plans to continue adapting and innovating in a changing health care environment.
The report is accompanied by a live first-of-its-kind interactive dashboard containing primary care profiles for each of Texas’ 254 counties with more than 50 data indicators across six domains, a level of comprehensive primary care data Texas has never before had. The interactive dashboard makes Texas one of the first states to have a comprehensive primary care data resource platform with state and county-level data. The data dashboard has been designed to allow for rapid additions of new indicators and updating existing indicators with new data as it becomes available.
TPCC is a statewide collaborative initiative with a mission to advance accessible, continuous, and coordinated person-centered care for all Texans. The collaborative is jointly led by Texas Medical Home Initiative and Texas Health Institute, and the new resources have been developed with funding support from the Episcopal Health Foundation and St. David’s Foundation.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
https://www.txprimarycareconsortium.org
The detailed report provides a data-driven, evidence-informed, comprehensive understanding of key issues essential to advancing primary care and health system transformation in Texas. It synthesizes data and perspectives to assess our needs, captures lessons learned, and highlights best practices and challenges while taking a forward-looking orientation to possibilities and uncertainties ahead. The report development was guided by a statewide advisory committee to derive consensus from leaders and stakeholders on what is necessary to sustain the progress to date and develop a comprehensive blue print to advance primary care and health system transformation in Texas. Outcomes from this project provide a real-time, 360-degree view of how the state’s health system plans to continue adapting and innovating in a changing health care environment.
The report is accompanied by a live first-of-its-kind interactive dashboard containing primary care profiles for each of Texas’ 254 counties with more than 50 data indicators across six domains, a level of comprehensive primary care data Texas has never before had. The interactive dashboard makes Texas one of the first states to have a comprehensive primary care data resource platform with state and county-level data. The data dashboard has been designed to allow for rapid additions of new indicators and updating existing indicators with new data as it becomes available.
TPCC is a statewide collaborative initiative with a mission to advance accessible, continuous, and coordinated person-centered care for all Texans. The collaborative is jointly led by Texas Medical Home Initiative and Texas Health Institute, and the new resources have been developed with funding support from the Episcopal Health Foundation and St. David’s Foundation.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
https://www.txprimarycareconsortium.org
New HOPE Initiative Interactive Data Tool and NEJM Data Platform
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The Health Opportunity and Equity (HOPE) Initiative is pleased to announce the release of our new website with interactive data tools to help our nation and states move beyond measuring disparities to spurring action toward health equity. Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, HOPE is a partnership of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, Texas Health Institute, and VCU Center on Society and Health.
HOPE tracks 27 social determinants of health and health outcomes by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status for the nation and all 50 states. In doing so, HOPE provides a first-of-its-kind interactive tool for national and state leaders, advocates, and others seeking to dismantle systemic racism and achieve health equity learn:
We are excited to share that accompanying our release, the New England Journal of Medicine also launched their interactive data platform featuring HOPE data on their new Race and Medicine page.
We invite you to explore these new resources, share them with your network, and welcome your questions and feedback as you explore. For more information on the new resources please view the full press release.
HOPE tracks 27 social determinants of health and health outcomes by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status for the nation and all 50 states. In doing so, HOPE provides a first-of-its-kind interactive tool for national and state leaders, advocates, and others seeking to dismantle systemic racism and achieve health equity learn:
- Where health and opportunity gaps are among people of different races and ethnicities
- What aspirational but achievable goals for health equity look like
- The distance to go to move the dial to make these goals a reality
- Where bright spots exist to understand policies and actions driving equity in practice
We are excited to share that accompanying our release, the New England Journal of Medicine also launched their interactive data platform featuring HOPE data on their new Race and Medicine page.
We invite you to explore these new resources, share them with your network, and welcome your questions and feedback as you explore. For more information on the new resources please view the full press release.
For Immediate
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HOUSTON—10/15/2020 A new report found that residents in some of southwest Houston’s most diverse communities experience a higher burden of chronic disease and multiple social, economic and environmental barriers that affect their overall health.
The study, conducted by Texas Health Institute and commissioned by the Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation – in partnership with the Alliance, Bee Busy Wellness Center, Community Health Choice, Culture of Health-Advancing Together and the Chinese Community Center – surveyed 1,000 adults in over two dozen different languages who live in seven southwest Houston zip codes covering neighborhoods in Alief, Gulfton, Sharpstown, Westbury and Greater Fondren. Data was collected from the fall and winter of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this initiative was to conduct a community-based survey to identify and prioritize the primary social determinants driving health in southwest Houston, determine distinct neighborhood needs and lived experiences of diverse populations in the area and to inform actionable and collaborative solutions to improve population health.
“We conducted the survey to find out what those in the community thought were their barriers to good health. We did not want to assume we knew,” said Carol Paret, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer with Memorial Hermann Health System. “Southwest Houston is remarkably diverse, and the study showed that the needs and perceptions within the area are very different. It found that there is no one approach to improving the health of the community.”
Some of the survey’s key findings include:
Many areas of southwest Houston have been hit hard by the spread of COVID-19, and many residents are facing the harsh realities of a faltering economy with increased worries about food insecurity, unemployment and eviction from their homes or apartments.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed, but further exacerbated the deep challenges southwest Houston communities were already facing as documented in this study,” said Nadia Siddiqui, Chief Health Equity Officer with Texas Health Institute. “Ensuring these communities emerge from this pandemic and are able to withstand future crises will require investing in the conditions that help communities thrive such as food security, safe neighborhoods, stable housing and health insurance coverage.”
Recognizing the social determinants of health is a critical component to setting people on a path to good health and well-being. This is even more evident now in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic where social and economic problems have widened and access to health care is vital.
“It is clear from this survey that the community wants definitive action taken to tackle the many problems that directly and indirectly affect their overall health, especially food insecurity and transportation,” Paret said. “Making positive changes in these communities will take a concerted effort on the part of community and healthcare leaders as well as the individuals themselves. We at Memorial Hermann will be working with our community partners to ensure that we do all we can to help improve the lives of southwest Houston residents.”
Please visit the Health Equity page to access the full report.
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For more information, contact:
George Kovacik
(281) 841-7119
george.kovacik@memorialhermann.org
The study, conducted by Texas Health Institute and commissioned by the Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation – in partnership with the Alliance, Bee Busy Wellness Center, Community Health Choice, Culture of Health-Advancing Together and the Chinese Community Center – surveyed 1,000 adults in over two dozen different languages who live in seven southwest Houston zip codes covering neighborhoods in Alief, Gulfton, Sharpstown, Westbury and Greater Fondren. Data was collected from the fall and winter of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this initiative was to conduct a community-based survey to identify and prioritize the primary social determinants driving health in southwest Houston, determine distinct neighborhood needs and lived experiences of diverse populations in the area and to inform actionable and collaborative solutions to improve population health.
“We conducted the survey to find out what those in the community thought were their barriers to good health. We did not want to assume we knew,” said Carol Paret, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer with Memorial Hermann Health System. “Southwest Houston is remarkably diverse, and the study showed that the needs and perceptions within the area are very different. It found that there is no one approach to improving the health of the community.”
Some of the survey’s key findings include:
- Residents had more cases of high blood pressure (32 percent), diabetes (19 percent) and depression (19 percent) than others in Harris County and throughout the State of Texas. Caucasians and African-Americans in these communities faced even higher rates of these conditions.
- A high percentage of residents experienced problems with food insecurity, crime and pollution. In fact, 40 percent of adult residents were unable to pay for food in the past year. In addition, 47 percent of adults in the surveyed areas do not have health insurance compared to 27 percent of adults throughout the rest of Houston, according to the 2018 Health of Houston survey. Hispanics accounted for the highest number of uninsured at 61 percent. Nearly 50 percent of residents also cited crime and pollution as major barriers to good health.
- Four out of five people surveyed believe social determinants of health play a key role in their overall good health. Over 80 percent of residents said access to affordable and nutritious foods, a stable job and income, a safe neighborhood, affordable housing and access to transportation are just as important as having health insurance. More than two-thirds also said it is important for healthcare providers to screen for social needs when providing health care. Currently, according to only one-tenth of residents, healthcare providers do such screening.
Many areas of southwest Houston have been hit hard by the spread of COVID-19, and many residents are facing the harsh realities of a faltering economy with increased worries about food insecurity, unemployment and eviction from their homes or apartments.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed, but further exacerbated the deep challenges southwest Houston communities were already facing as documented in this study,” said Nadia Siddiqui, Chief Health Equity Officer with Texas Health Institute. “Ensuring these communities emerge from this pandemic and are able to withstand future crises will require investing in the conditions that help communities thrive such as food security, safe neighborhoods, stable housing and health insurance coverage.”
Recognizing the social determinants of health is a critical component to setting people on a path to good health and well-being. This is even more evident now in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic where social and economic problems have widened and access to health care is vital.
“It is clear from this survey that the community wants definitive action taken to tackle the many problems that directly and indirectly affect their overall health, especially food insecurity and transportation,” Paret said. “Making positive changes in these communities will take a concerted effort on the part of community and healthcare leaders as well as the individuals themselves. We at Memorial Hermann will be working with our community partners to ensure that we do all we can to help improve the lives of southwest Houston residents.”
Please visit the Health Equity page to access the full report.
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For more information, contact:
George Kovacik
(281) 841-7119
george.kovacik@memorialhermann.org
For Immediate Release
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Austin— 10/8/2020 Texas Health Institute (THI) is one of 50 award recipients of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) $10 million Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Planning (RCORP-Planning) initiative to strengthen and expand the capacity of rural communities to provide Substance Use Disorder/Opioid Use Disorder (SUD/OUD) prevention, treatment, and recovery services to high-risk populations. RCORP award recipients will use the funds to build partnerships and develop comprehensive plans to address SUD/OUD workforce and service delivery challenges in rural counties and communities.
THI in partnership with the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) School of Social Work will develop a strategic plan and action plan to address Opioid Use Disorder and Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Panola County, Harrison County, and the rural parts of Gregg County. The School of Social Work’s Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development has extensive experience with rural service delivery systems that promote health and well-being. “We are particularly concerned about opioid abuse and the effects on families and communities,” says Kristin Bailey-Wallace, MSW, LBSW the research Principal Investigator for the project. The research team at SFASU will be conducting an Appreciative Inquiry and community needs assessment along with strategic planning activities to address opioid abuse.
Texas Health Institute will work collaboratively with SFASU and community partners in conducting a gap analysis and needs assessment to inform strategic planning for three counties. In addition, THI will lead an interim steering committee to support project oversight and form a consortium of stakeholders responsible for implementing the plan. “Our approach is unique in that we are nurturing the development of a community-led consortium composed of different sectors who experience the effects of the opioid crisis from different perspectives,” says Kenneth Smith, PhD, the Project Director and Senior Health Policy Research Analyst at THI. “The highest risk populations with SUD often experience homelessness, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Behavioral health, criminal justice, and housing sectors are all key stakeholders but often work in silos. By supporting cross-sectoral planning and collaboration, we’ll have a better opportunity to tackle the complexities of substance use addiction,” according to Dr. Smith.
The RCORP-Planning project highlights THI’s leadership at advancing collaborative action for the health of all. “Behavioral health, including substance use is consistently ranked a top priority in our East Texas community needs assessment. The RCORP project continues THI’s partnership with SFASU and complements our work as a statewide convener on this issue,” says Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, the Executive Director of THI.
Note: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $200,000 with no additional funds currently financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
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For more information, contact:
Kenneth D. Smith, Ph.D.
ksmith@texashealthinstitute.org
THI in partnership with the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) School of Social Work will develop a strategic plan and action plan to address Opioid Use Disorder and Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Panola County, Harrison County, and the rural parts of Gregg County. The School of Social Work’s Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development has extensive experience with rural service delivery systems that promote health and well-being. “We are particularly concerned about opioid abuse and the effects on families and communities,” says Kristin Bailey-Wallace, MSW, LBSW the research Principal Investigator for the project. The research team at SFASU will be conducting an Appreciative Inquiry and community needs assessment along with strategic planning activities to address opioid abuse.
Texas Health Institute will work collaboratively with SFASU and community partners in conducting a gap analysis and needs assessment to inform strategic planning for three counties. In addition, THI will lead an interim steering committee to support project oversight and form a consortium of stakeholders responsible for implementing the plan. “Our approach is unique in that we are nurturing the development of a community-led consortium composed of different sectors who experience the effects of the opioid crisis from different perspectives,” says Kenneth Smith, PhD, the Project Director and Senior Health Policy Research Analyst at THI. “The highest risk populations with SUD often experience homelessness, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Behavioral health, criminal justice, and housing sectors are all key stakeholders but often work in silos. By supporting cross-sectoral planning and collaboration, we’ll have a better opportunity to tackle the complexities of substance use addiction,” according to Dr. Smith.
The RCORP-Planning project highlights THI’s leadership at advancing collaborative action for the health of all. “Behavioral health, including substance use is consistently ranked a top priority in our East Texas community needs assessment. The RCORP project continues THI’s partnership with SFASU and complements our work as a statewide convener on this issue,” says Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, the Executive Director of THI.
Note: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $200,000 with no additional funds currently financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
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For more information, contact:
Kenneth D. Smith, Ph.D.
ksmith@texashealthinstitute.org
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For Immediate Release7/24/2020Urgent Request for Primary Care Reform sent to Gov Abbott in light of COVID-19
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Austin— 7/24/2020 --The Texas Primary Care Consortium (TPCC), a collaborative initiative led by Texas Health Institute and the Texas Medical Home Initiative, has joined forces with 40+ local, state and national organizations and several individuals who represent and serve millions of Texans to call for action to protect, reinvent, and reinvigorate primary care in Texas.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, TPCC sent an open letter to Governor Greg Abbott and the members of the Texas legislature outlining concerns and recommending actions. Accompanying the letter is a data-driven, evidence informed issue brief entitled "Primary Care in Texas: A call to action for an urgent consensus-based approach on primary care and health system transformation in Texas.” The issue brief was developed by Sue S. Bornstein, MD, FACP, Executive Director of Texas Medical Home Initiative and Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, Executive Director of Texas Health Institute.
“Despite the tremendous challenges imposed by the pandemic, we have an opportunity to chart a new path for primary care in Texas” explained Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, Executive Director, Texas Health Institute. A strong, well-resourced, and resilient primary care foundation is essential to an effective and efficient health system and is critical to ensuring the health of all individuals and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a number of long-standing issues facing primary care in Texas including an increasing chronic disease burden, growing uninsured and underinsured populations, growing health disparities, chronic and acute practitioner shortages, and payment models that do not support longitudinal and comprehensive primary care.
About Texas Primary Care Consortium-- The Texas Primary Care Consortium is a statewide collaborative initiative with a mission to advance accessible, continuous, and coordinated person-centered care for all Texans. We serve as the honest broker that brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss, identify, and address the multi-faceted challenges presented by our current healthcare system. Through multi-sector collaboration, we are able to identify research gaps, build capacity for pursing shared solutions, and inform policy efforts to improve the health of all Texans. The consortium is jointly led by Texas Health Institute and the Texas Medical Home Initiative.
Texas Health Institute (THI) is the non-profit, non-partisan public health institute in Texas. Since 1964, THI has served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Their expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes them an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. THI works across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life.
Texas Medical Home Initiative (TMHI) is a non-profit, practitioner-led organization with a vision to see all Texans have access to a medical home. The mission is to develop, implement, evaluate, and promote the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of primary care delivery in Texas.
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For more information, contact:
Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH
asanghavi@texashealthinstitute.org
www.txprimarycareconsortium.org
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, TPCC sent an open letter to Governor Greg Abbott and the members of the Texas legislature outlining concerns and recommending actions. Accompanying the letter is a data-driven, evidence informed issue brief entitled "Primary Care in Texas: A call to action for an urgent consensus-based approach on primary care and health system transformation in Texas.” The issue brief was developed by Sue S. Bornstein, MD, FACP, Executive Director of Texas Medical Home Initiative and Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, Executive Director of Texas Health Institute.
“Despite the tremendous challenges imposed by the pandemic, we have an opportunity to chart a new path for primary care in Texas” explained Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH, Executive Director, Texas Health Institute. A strong, well-resourced, and resilient primary care foundation is essential to an effective and efficient health system and is critical to ensuring the health of all individuals and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a number of long-standing issues facing primary care in Texas including an increasing chronic disease burden, growing uninsured and underinsured populations, growing health disparities, chronic and acute practitioner shortages, and payment models that do not support longitudinal and comprehensive primary care.
About Texas Primary Care Consortium-- The Texas Primary Care Consortium is a statewide collaborative initiative with a mission to advance accessible, continuous, and coordinated person-centered care for all Texans. We serve as the honest broker that brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss, identify, and address the multi-faceted challenges presented by our current healthcare system. Through multi-sector collaboration, we are able to identify research gaps, build capacity for pursing shared solutions, and inform policy efforts to improve the health of all Texans. The consortium is jointly led by Texas Health Institute and the Texas Medical Home Initiative.
Texas Health Institute (THI) is the non-profit, non-partisan public health institute in Texas. Since 1964, THI has served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Their expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes them an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. THI works across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life.
Texas Medical Home Initiative (TMHI) is a non-profit, practitioner-led organization with a vision to see all Texans have access to a medical home. The mission is to develop, implement, evaluate, and promote the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of primary care delivery in Texas.
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For more information, contact:
Ankit Sanghavi, BDS, MPH
asanghavi@texashealthinstitute.org
www.txprimarycareconsortium.org
For Immediate Release
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Austin— 7/2/2020 --Texas Health Institute (THI) is proud to announce joint support from The Episcopal Health Foundation, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and St. David’s Foundation to further our shared vision of increased cross-sector alignment and systems change in the health ecosystem to advance the health of all.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed systemic racial and health disparities. These disparities, along with the lack of forward-looking, coordinated approach, reflect the inherently complex and fragile nature of the health ecosystem. These challenges elevate the need for a nimble, trusted, and capacity-based organization to advance strategic, evidence-based policy, pursue systems transformation, and facilitate cross-sectoral programmatic initiatives across Texas. An organization of this nature leverages the key, infrastructural component of capacity building which enables them to develop skills to be more effective at achieving their mission and creating lasting change. Building and leveraging a strong, capacity-based public health institute is an important step in our shared pursuit of a forward-looking yet robust and flexible health ecosystem.
Through this effort, THI commits to build and strengthen our capacity to advance data-driven, evidence informed, smart public policy; facilitate system transformation efforts, and strengthen cross-sectoral efforts towards advancing the health of all. “This is only the start of many things to come,” said THI Chief Executive Officer, Ankit Sanghavi. “We are all in this together! To that end, we plan to further strengthen our academic collaborations to leverage university subject matter expertise across relevant issue areas. We also seek to foster and leverage our relationships with various governmental agencies, state, and community partners to advance innovative, community-driven, public-private partnership efforts that position Texas at the forefront of health system transformation.”
“All individuals, regardless of demographics or socioeconomic status, deserve to live as healthfully as possible,” said Denise Herrera, PhD, MCHES, Senior Capacity Building Officer, St. David’s Foundation. “Working alongside THI, with a strong commitment to health equity, will enable us to apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving some of our community’s most pressing health challenges – locally and nationally.”
Aliya Hussaini MD, MSc, Portfolio Director, Health, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation shared, “Strong public health institutes create healthier communities. THI’s effort to create a stronger, expanded, more aligned health system will encourage better health and prevent disease among the residents of Texas.”
THI is committed to our mission of advancing the health of all. The support from and collaboration with our foundation partners will help us to drive systems change and achieve measurable impact. We are excited to announce this effort as, hopefully, the first page of a new and exciting chapter for public health in Texas!
About Texas Health Institute-- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed systemic racial and health disparities. These disparities, along with the lack of forward-looking, coordinated approach, reflect the inherently complex and fragile nature of the health ecosystem. These challenges elevate the need for a nimble, trusted, and capacity-based organization to advance strategic, evidence-based policy, pursue systems transformation, and facilitate cross-sectoral programmatic initiatives across Texas. An organization of this nature leverages the key, infrastructural component of capacity building which enables them to develop skills to be more effective at achieving their mission and creating lasting change. Building and leveraging a strong, capacity-based public health institute is an important step in our shared pursuit of a forward-looking yet robust and flexible health ecosystem.
Through this effort, THI commits to build and strengthen our capacity to advance data-driven, evidence informed, smart public policy; facilitate system transformation efforts, and strengthen cross-sectoral efforts towards advancing the health of all. “This is only the start of many things to come,” said THI Chief Executive Officer, Ankit Sanghavi. “We are all in this together! To that end, we plan to further strengthen our academic collaborations to leverage university subject matter expertise across relevant issue areas. We also seek to foster and leverage our relationships with various governmental agencies, state, and community partners to advance innovative, community-driven, public-private partnership efforts that position Texas at the forefront of health system transformation.”
“All individuals, regardless of demographics or socioeconomic status, deserve to live as healthfully as possible,” said Denise Herrera, PhD, MCHES, Senior Capacity Building Officer, St. David’s Foundation. “Working alongside THI, with a strong commitment to health equity, will enable us to apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving some of our community’s most pressing health challenges – locally and nationally.”
Aliya Hussaini MD, MSc, Portfolio Director, Health, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation shared, “Strong public health institutes create healthier communities. THI’s effort to create a stronger, expanded, more aligned health system will encourage better health and prevent disease among the residents of Texas.”
THI is committed to our mission of advancing the health of all. The support from and collaboration with our foundation partners will help us to drive systems change and achieve measurable impact. We are excited to announce this effort as, hopefully, the first page of a new and exciting chapter for public health in Texas!
About Texas Health Institute-- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Cocking, MSSW
mcocking@texashealthinstitute.org
Texas Health Institute Statement on Systemic RacismJune 5, 2020
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We are deeply troubled by the brutal death of George Floyd. His death is yet another example of the stolen life and dignity of black men, women, and children at the hands of systemic racism. Texas Health Institute (THI) stands in solidarity with our Black communities and millions of others in calling for an end to pervasive and entrenched systemic racism and discrimination. We affirm our commitment to the values of compassion, inclusivity, health equity, and social justice as the principles guiding our work to advance the health of all.
The events of the past week, coupled with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, have shined a tragic light on the deep racial inequities facing communities of color in every facet of their daily lives, harming their livelihoods, health, and well-being. These inequities have been fueled by the belief and practice of racial superiority against communities of color for centuries.
We are committed to listening, learning, recognizing, and redressing this long history of injustice. As we strive to make a difference in our communities, we ask you to join us in the path forward in dismantling deep-rooted structures of racism to create fair and just opportunities for all to live, thrive, and be healthy.
The events of the past week, coupled with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, have shined a tragic light on the deep racial inequities facing communities of color in every facet of their daily lives, harming their livelihoods, health, and well-being. These inequities have been fueled by the belief and practice of racial superiority against communities of color for centuries.
We are committed to listening, learning, recognizing, and redressing this long history of injustice. As we strive to make a difference in our communities, we ask you to join us in the path forward in dismantling deep-rooted structures of racism to create fair and just opportunities for all to live, thrive, and be healthy.
For Immediate Release
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Austin— 5/20/2020 --Texas Health Institute (THI) is one of seven national finalists to receive a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to test its Theory of Change on aligning public health, health care, and social services to improve health and well-being in communities. THI will conduct a first-of-its-kind realist evaluation of up to two dozen cross-sector initiatives for health equity across Texas. This will enable a testing of RWJF’s theory in diverse population, geographic, and political contexts, while providing a pioneering study of Texas’ landscape of cross-sector efforts.
“This grant provides an unprecedented opportunity to advance our understanding of systems-alignment for health in Texas,” said THI chief executive offer Ankit Sanghavi, who will be the project’s co-principal investigator. “At the same time, this study will provide important guidance on effective strategies for bridging silos and coordinating systems change to make health a reality for all in Texas and nationally.”
RWJF’s Theory of Change posits that to achieve successful alignment for sustainably improving health, health care, public health and social service systems must have a shared vision, data and measurement systems, financing, and governance. Texas Health Institute’s study will evaluate to what extent RWJF’s core components of cross-sector alignment are reflected in practice and how they vary by context, how health equity is integrated, how internal and external factors enable or inhibit systems alignment, and how progress and success are measured and realized.
“For years the American Heart Association has been working in collaboration with THI and others to advance health equity for all Texans. This grant provides us the capacity to continue to leverage our assets in science, healthcare and collaboration and build an evidence-based understanding of the essential building blocks of systems alignment,” said senior vice president of health for the SouthWest region of the American Heart Association Debbie Hornor. “Together we can influence successful, sustainable cross-sector alignment to advance health equity for all Texans.”
Guided by a Statewide Steering Committee of multi-sector experts, leaders, and community stakeholders, Texas Health Institute will coalesce findings from their evaluation of Texas’ leading cross-sector initiatives to produce actionable guidance, tools and resources on effective strategies, best practices and lessons learned.
“We hope that learnings from this evaluation will fill an important gap in knowledge and provide concrete guidance to those on the systems-alignment journey on what works and how to measurably move the needle on health and health equity,” said Nadia Siddiqui, THI director of health equity programs, who will be the project’s principal investigator. 2
About Texas Health Institute— We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
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For more information, contact:
Nadia Siddiqui, MPH
nsiddiqui@texashealthinstitute.org
“This grant provides an unprecedented opportunity to advance our understanding of systems-alignment for health in Texas,” said THI chief executive offer Ankit Sanghavi, who will be the project’s co-principal investigator. “At the same time, this study will provide important guidance on effective strategies for bridging silos and coordinating systems change to make health a reality for all in Texas and nationally.”
RWJF’s Theory of Change posits that to achieve successful alignment for sustainably improving health, health care, public health and social service systems must have a shared vision, data and measurement systems, financing, and governance. Texas Health Institute’s study will evaluate to what extent RWJF’s core components of cross-sector alignment are reflected in practice and how they vary by context, how health equity is integrated, how internal and external factors enable or inhibit systems alignment, and how progress and success are measured and realized.
“For years the American Heart Association has been working in collaboration with THI and others to advance health equity for all Texans. This grant provides us the capacity to continue to leverage our assets in science, healthcare and collaboration and build an evidence-based understanding of the essential building blocks of systems alignment,” said senior vice president of health for the SouthWest region of the American Heart Association Debbie Hornor. “Together we can influence successful, sustainable cross-sector alignment to advance health equity for all Texans.”
Guided by a Statewide Steering Committee of multi-sector experts, leaders, and community stakeholders, Texas Health Institute will coalesce findings from their evaluation of Texas’ leading cross-sector initiatives to produce actionable guidance, tools and resources on effective strategies, best practices and lessons learned.
“We hope that learnings from this evaluation will fill an important gap in knowledge and provide concrete guidance to those on the systems-alignment journey on what works and how to measurably move the needle on health and health equity,” said Nadia Siddiqui, THI director of health equity programs, who will be the project’s principal investigator. 2
About Texas Health Institute— We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute. Since 1964, we have served as a trusted, leading voice on public health and healthcare issues in Texas and the nation. Our expertise, strategies, and nimble approach makes us an integral and essential partner in driving systems change efforts. We work across and within sectors to lead collaborative efforts and facilitate connections to foster systems that provide the opportunity for everyone to lead a healthy life. As the public health institute in Texas we are also a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes which is a social, financial and information network, connecting more than 8,000 subject-matter experts with organizational partners across the nation.
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For more information, contact:
Nadia Siddiqui, MPH
nsiddiqui@texashealthinstitute.org
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