• Southern States Attack Obesity Epidemic
• Texas Health Information Technology Summit - Houston
• F as in Fat: Report Ranks Texas 13th Fattest
• 46 million uninsured; highest figure in 12 years
• Southern Obesity Summit 2010 Cook Book
• Houston Obesity Awareness Summit Draws 400
• Mental Health Policy Changes Outlined
• County Health Rankings / State Budget Cuts
• Health Information Technologies Equal Better Outcomes
County Health Rankings / State Budget Cuts
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released a study by the University of Wisconsin which ranks counties within each state by the health of their communities. The rankings, based on a series of health factors which included health behaviors, clinical care, socioeconomic factors and physical environment looked at series of data which included tobacco use, diet and exercise, community safety, access to care, etc. All of those factors lead to health outcomes which the study assessed county-by-county in Texas.
Governor Perry has asked all state agencies and entities funded by state government to submit plans for budget cuts of 5%.
In tough economic times, health and human services funds are even more important than ever as they provide services to those most in need. The county health ranking factors used in the Wisconsin study will be affected at the local level by many of the proposed cuts should they be implemented and will surely impact not only the health but the health rankings of Texas communities.
See editorial by THI President/CEO Camille D. Miller
As THI launches our advocacy efforts to "improve the health of Texans and their communities, Judge Delores Briones will lead our efforts. Please feel free to contact her about State budget cuts or any other issue: [ email ] or 512-279-3916.