UTH

The Health Equity Research Group

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Research

Objectives

The Health Equity Research Group (HERG) led by Dr. Irene Tamí-Maury is a think tank committed to addressing the unequal burden of cancer and other chronic conditions among vulnerable populations, including sexual and gender minority groups, individuals with HIV, racial/ethnic minorities, and other underserved communities. We conduct research on a variety of topics related to cancer prevention and control, including tobacco and nicotine addiction. Our mission is to generate new knowledge, inform interventions, and promote health equity. We hope our webpage will serve as a valuable resource for individuals, students, healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers who are interested in promoting health equity in underserved areas of the US, as well as in low- and middle-income countries.

Projects

SmokefreeSGM, A Text-based Program for Sexual and Gender Minority Smokers

SmokefreeSGM, A Text-based Program for Sexual and Gender Minority Smokers

SmokefreeSGM is a cessation intervention designed by and for assisting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) with their quitting efforts. The program has been tailored to the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ smokers with input from tobacco specialists, current and former LGBTQ+ smokers, and leading experts in behavioral health, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Embark on a smoke-free journey tailored for LGBTQ+ smokers, reclaim control, and embrace a healthier lifestyle with our dedicated team - contact us today! [Insert the Contact Us link for this project]

SmokefreeSGM Website

The UTHealth PRIDE Study

The UTHealth PRIDE Study

The UTHealth PRIDE Study is an annual community-need assessment aimed at understanding the conditions and risk factors linked to tobacco use and nicotine addiction among LGBTQ+ groups in Texas. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it through The UTHealth PRIDE survey. By becoming a study participant, you'll contribute to vital research that will shape tailored interventions and support for our LGBTQ+ community. Your input will directly impact the development of targeted programs designed to address our unique challenges. Together, let's create a healthier future.

Take a stand, make a difference, and be part of this transformative study. Sign up today and be heard! – Complete the online survey at:

A Spanish version of the study is also available at:

The STOP Program

The STOP Program

The STOP Program is a building capacity of Latin American cancer care providers on smoking prevention and cessation. Transform cancer care in Latin America! Our educational program focuses on smoking prevention and cessation, offering specialized training to oncology providers. As the only initiative of its kind, we address regional healthcare challenges, equipping providers with skills to tackle tobacco use. ¡Transforma la atención oncológica en América Latina! Nuestro programa se enfoca en prevenir y dejar el tabaquismo, capacitando a proveedores de oncología. Único en su tipo, aborda desafíos regionales

¡Ayuda a tu paciente a vivir libre de humo! Contáctanos aquí para inscribirte en nuestro programa:

Decision-T

Decision-T

Decision-T is a smartphone application for healthcare professionals interested in providing smoking prevention and cessation services to their patients. Introducing our revolutionary smartphone application (app) designed exclusively for healthcare professionals passionate about offering smoking prevention and cessation services to their patients. With our user-friendly interface and comprehensive app, you'll have a powerful mobile tool at your fingertips to guide and support individuals on their journey towards a smoke-free life.

Make a lasting impact on your patients—contact us and enroll in beta testing the Decision-T app:

VapeDownTXT: Comin soon...

VapeDownTXT: Comin soon...

Are you ready to regain control and break free from the grip of vaping addiction? Join our exciting upcoming text-based intervention study designed specifically for adults like you. Participate virtually from the comfort of your own phone and received daily texts tailored to support your journey towards a vape-free life. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking study shaping the future of vaping cessation for adults.

Register your interest today and embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, vape-free you. Contact us: [email protected]

Publications

For a complete list of publications, please visit:

People

Irene M. Tami-Maury

Irene M. Tami-Maury, DMD, DrPH

Assistant Professor
Houston

Dr. Tamí-Maury is a Latina scientist with a particular interest in two specific areas: 1) Developing prevention and control interventions for tobacco and nicotine addiction among vulnerable populations (e.g., sexual and gender minority groups, people with HIV, immigrants, ethnic minorities, cancer patients, adolescents and young adults, etc.) and 2) Designing eHealth/mHealth research and e-learning/training programs for health care providers and lay health workers. Dr. Tami-Maury’s mentees have had the opportunity to engage in the ongoing HERG research efforts and have served as co-authors in

Publication List

Rebecca Klaff

Rebecca Klaff, MPH, BA

Research Assistant II
Houston

View bio

Rebecca currently works as a Research Assistant II for the Health Equity Research Group, leading efforts for the SmokefreeSGM study. She recently graduated with her MPH in Community Health Practice from UTHealth Houston. Prior to that, she completed her BA in International Affairs from The George Washington University.

Brittany Krenek

Brittany Krenek, MPH, BS

Research Assistant II
Houston

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Brittany received her BS in Public Health from Texas A&M University in May 2021 and received her MPH in Epidemiology from UTHealth in December 2022. She works as a Research Assistant II for the Health Equity Research Group focusing on cancer prevention and control through SmokefreeSGM and leading efforts of the UTHealth PRIDE Study.

Samuel Tundealao

Samuel Tundealao, MPH, BDS

Graduate Research Assistant
Houston

View bio

Sam is a Graduate Research Assistant for the Health Equity Research Group. He is also a dental surgeon, receiving his training from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. He will graduate from UTHealth this summer with his MPH in Epidemiology and a certificate in Data Science before starting a PhD program at Rutgers University in the fall.

Priya Reddy

Priya Reddy, MBBS

Graduate Research Assistant
Houston

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Priya has a multicultural background, having grown up in both the US and India, which has given her a diverse perspective and deep appreciation for different cultures. In 2021, she graduated with an MBBS degree but realized she wanted to pursue a career that focused more on public health, leading to a MS in Biostatistics degree at UTHealth.

Thomas Millett

Thomas Millett, MPH, BA

Doctoral Student Fellow
Houston

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Thomas is an implementation scientist and global health researcher. His work focuses on implementation science research methodology and the design and implementation of cancer prevention and control interventions for underserved populations. He is a Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences PhD student and Doctoral Student Fellow at UTHealth SPH.

Eriyona Hill

Eriyona Hill, $labMember.Degree

Intern
Houston

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Eriyona is rising senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Public Health. She serves as the Cancer Prevention Institute of Texas Summer Undergraduate Intern. Working with smoking cessation in efforts to reduce the risk of cancer.

Jessica Velazquez

Jessica Velazquez, BS

Intern
Houston

View bio

Jessica is an MPH student at UTHealth School of Public Health. Her interests include cancer health disparities, and she aims to identify and address disparities across the cancer care continuum. She was honored with the 2022 AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award at the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities.

Alumni

Name and Credentials Title Organization Contact Information
Jenny Guzman, Graduate Research Assistant
Modupe Onigbogi , Graduate Research Assistant
Robin Dominguez, MPH, BS Practicum Student

Get Involved

Please contact our team at [email protected] or (713) 500-9174 to learn more about our ongoing research efforts.


About School of Public Health

UTHealth Houston is internationally recognized as one of the world's great research universities. The School of Public Health connects research, education, patient care, and community outreach in bold, innovative ways. Basic scientists and clinical researchers from all disciplines work together to deliver innovative solutions that create the best hope for a healthier future. Our faculty are pioneering radical solutions for imminent public health problems and provide the tools and resources that will push our students to think critically and creatively both in and out of the classroom. This is where academic rigor meets real-world application.

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