HSC’s College of Public Health Dean Dharamsi and other deans statewide address the role of public health schools in advancing community health across Texas

[Link]Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, dean of the College of Public Health at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, was a recent speaker at the Healthier Texas Summit in Austin, where the state's leading voices in public health and wellness came together to address their communities' evolving needs and opportunities for change.

Healthier Texas represents a growing movement of people, organizations and institutions committed to creating a culture of health and a thriving future for families and communities across the Lone Star State. This nonprofit works to bring people, organizations and communities together to take action that supports health for all, now and for generations to come. The organization's vision is for every Texan to have equitable access to a long, happy and healthy life.

The summit brought together thought leaders and health champions to network, share innovative ideas, collaborate on pressing public health issues and build cross-sector relationships for a healthier Texas.

Attendees included representatives from academic research institutes, educational institutions covering K-12 and higher education, government, health care, non-profits, faith-based organizations and coalitions, public health, and private organizations and enterprises.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Michael C. Lu, dean of the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health; the Honorable Nelson William Wolff, former Bexar County judge; and Travis County judge Andy Brown.

A special session explored the role of schools of public health in advancing public and community health, with panelists presenting their priorities and initiatives regarding workforce readiness, communications with policymakers and collaborations with state agencies and community organizations.

HSC's Dean Dharamsi was joined by other deans representing the University of Texas Medical Branch; University of Texas Southwestern School of Public Health; UT School of Public Health San Antonio; UTHealth Houston School of Public Health; Texas A&M School of Public Health; and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and School of Population and Public Health.

Dr. David Lakey, past commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, currently with The University of Texas System, served as moderator.

"It was a privilege to gather with the other deans of public health to explore how we can work collaboratively to build a healthier Texas," Dharamsi said. "We are stronger when we work together, and I'm looking forward to partnering with my dean colleagues to develop joint projects that will help advance the quality of life in our state."

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