Continuing the Conversation: Strengthening Public Health Collaborations in the Paso Del Norte Region
To reinforce the ties between public health education and practice, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Region 9/10 Office embarked on a journey to bolster their collaboration in the Paso del Norte region. Following the success of the initial Regional Lunch & Learn session held in November, the recent follow-up meeting with DSHS Region 9/10 staff marked another milestone in this partnership.
During the follow-up meeting in early March, key discussions delved into several crucial areas, shedding light on the region's evolving public health landscape. Art Alvarado, RS, MPH, Deputy Regional Director for DSHS Region 9/10 and School of Public Health alumnus, provided valuable insights into the region's workforce needs, highlighting the demand for professionals in public health fields such as dental, nursing, and social work. Additionally, the meeting addressed workforce recruitment and retention challenges, aiming to identify strategies to address these pressing needs.
One of the meeting's focal points was exploring opportunities for student engagement and practice-based learning within DSHS Region 9/10. Robert Hammarberg, DrPH, faculty associate and assistant director of public health practice and engagement at the school, presented various initiatives to provide students with immersive experiences in community-based settings. From practicum placements for Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to health informatics-relevant opportunities through the Gaining Equity in Training for Public Health Informatics and Technology (GET PHIT) consortium, the meeting underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of public health leaders while producing tools and resources of benefit to the DSHS regional office and communities it serves.
The meeting further explored potential collaborations and partnerships that could benefit the school and DSHS Region 9/10. Participants brainstormed innovative ways to promote employment opportunities for graduating students and alums while considering how students could support DSHS in advocating for additional resources to improve workforce recruitment initiatives.
The discussions held during the meeting are poised to shape the future of public health practice in the Paso del Norte region. By fostering a deeper understanding of each institution's capabilities and resources, the partnership aims to streamline efforts to address public health challenges more effectively. Through strategic collaborations and targeted initiatives, the organizations aim to work smarter, not harder, towards enhancing public health education, training, and service delivery.
Looking ahead, the partnership between UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and DSHS Region 9/10 is set to evolve further. With a renewed focus on developing tangible outcomes and impactful interventions, both organizations are committed to leveraging their collective expertise and resources to create a healthier and more resilient Texas for future generations. As they continue to build upon the foundations laid during the follow-up meeting, the future promises greater collaboration and innovation in public health practice.