Texas Health Institute

04/17/2026

Across Texas, health systems, community-based organizations, and regional collaboratives are exploring how to integrate Community Health Workers in more structured and sustainable ways. The latest Texas Health Lens examines why reimbursement authorization alone is not enough and what it will take to build the aligned infrastructure this work requires. https://texashealthinstitute.org/texas-health-lens-community-health-workers-billing-and-infrastructure/

04/15/2026

Maternal behavioral health is a critical priority for healthy communities. Texas Health Institute is proud to be a core partner of the Greater Houston Maternal Behavioral Health Roundtable, working alongside the Hackett Center for Mental Health, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, and March of Dimes to strengthen connections and drive meaningful change.

To build upon these efforts, we invite you to join us for the Whole Minds, Whole Mothers Symposium, convening on World Maternal Mental Health Day, May 6, 2026, in Houston, TX.
We will convene experts and advocates to explore how the integration of lived experience, community-based innovation, and policy can improve maternal behavioral health outcomes.

Register here: https://ow.ly/WaW250YF2Eg

04/14/2026

"I truly believe that the RTN Organization is the best thing that could happen to CHWs, especially for those of us living outside of major cities like Houston, Austin, or Dallas. RTN represents exactly what we need here in El Paso."
- Abraham Medina, Community Health Worker

Trust already exists in communities. Community Health Professionals like Abraham are the infrastructure that holds it. The RTN organizes, supports, and compensates that trust so it can be used ethically and effectively to improve research, care delivery, and system transformation.

We're proud to be building this alongside CHWs, doulas, peer specialists, promotores, and the communities they serve, including those far beyond major urban centers.

Read more about how the RTN is turning community trust into health system capacity:
https://texashealthinstitute.org/the-responsive-trust-network-turning-community-trust-into-health-system-capacity/

04/10/2026

Healthy communities are built through strong systems, accessible resources, and supportive environments. Promoting health means addressing barriers and creating conditions where individuals and communities have the opportunity to thrive. This National Public Health Week, we’re highlighting the importance of community-centered approaches to advancing health across Texas.

04/09/2026

Join a timely, practical learning opportunity designed to support clinicians navigating opioid and pain management challenges.
The Texas Rapid Response Opioid and Pain Management ECHO is a 6-session virtual series beginning April 27. Through real-world, case-based discussions, participants will gain actionable strategies to safely manage patients on long-term opioid therapy and other controlled substances, particularly during disruptions in care. This series is open to Texas-based clinicians and licensed providers who prescribe, dispense, or manage controlled substances, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists.
Participants can earn free CE credits (1.5 per session).
Register by April 20 to reserve your place:

The Response Opioid and Pain Management ECHO equips clinicians with practical strategies to safely manage patients on long-term opioid and other controlled substance therapies during disruptions in...

04/08/2026

Advancing health systems transformation is key to improving access to care. Efforts that support whole-person, community-centered approaches can help ensure care is more connected, accessible, and responsive to the needs of individuals and families across Texas. During National Public Health Week, we’re recognizing the role of system alignment in strengthening health outcomes for all.

04/07/2026

World Health Day recognizes the work happening to protect and improve health worldwide. We're proud to join the global community in celebrating this year's theme: Together for Health.
We are advancing the health of all by leading with research and evaluation, translating data into real-world impact, and fostering collaboration. Today and every day, we're honored to do that work alongside our partners.

04/06/2026

Today marks the beginning of National Public Health Week! THI recognizes the critical role public health plays in promoting healthy communities, disease prevention, and improving health access, all grounded in data, insights, and shared learning. Across Texas, communities, practitioners, and leaders are working together to navigate complex health challenges and strengthen the systems that support population health. This week, we reflect on the people, partnerships, and strategies that help communities thrive and advance the health of all.

04/03/2026

Dana Minney, EdD, and Brianna Tofel, MPH, represented THI at the 10th Annual Texas Evaluators Network (TEN) Institute, a full-day convening with learning, connection, and insight under the theme: Curiosity in Action: Asking Better Questions for a Complex World.

Dana and Bri co-presented "Mapping Your Program's Path: Using Logic Models to Build Buy-in and Chart Measures that Matter." Dana also joined a panel discussion, "Curious Connections: A Multi-Sector Dialogue on Evaluation in Complex Systems." And Bri presented "When Plans Meet Reality: The Scroll Studio Experiment in Flexible Evaluation Design."

We're grateful for the opportunity to contribute to conversations shaping the future of evaluation in Texas and beyond.

04/01/2026

Oral health is often treated separately from the rest of the health system, but its impact is deeply connected to children’s overall well-being.

In Whole-Child Health Starts Here: The Power of Oral Health, experts discussed how integrating oral health into child health systems, expanding prevention, and strengthening collaboration across sectors can improve outcomes for children across Texas.

Watch the full webinar:

As we launch the renewed Texas Oral Health Coalition, we are reimagining the role of oral health in strengthening the health, development, and long-term oppo...

03/31/2026

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are increasingly recognized as essential to community-centered care, and new reimbursement opportunities are helping accelerate that momentum across Texas.
As organizations explore how to scale and sustain CHW models, one theme is clear: reimbursement is only part of the equation. The latest Texas Health Lens examines why long-term success depends on the infrastructure that supports the workforce. https://texashealthinstitute.org/texas-health-lens-community-health-workers-billing-and-infrastructure/

03/23/2026

Community Health Professionals are trusted advisors to health systems and communities. The Responsive Trust Network (RTN) builds on that lived trust with a structured, ethical framework to partner with CHWs, doulas, peer specialists, promotores, and others to strengthen research, care delivery, and health system design.
Read more about how the RTN turns community trust into health system capacity:
https://texashealthinstitute.org/the-responsive-trust-network-turning-community-trust-into-health-system-capacity/