• Improving the Health of All Texans

    • Doctors with legislator READ MORE

      Deadly Distractions: TMA Backs Anti-Distracted Driving Bills

      In 2011, distracted driving caused 81,000 vehicle crashes in Texas. Of those, 361 were fatal, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Overall, nearly one in four accidents in Texas involve driver distraction, and teen drivers are more likely than others to be involved in a fatal distracted driving crash. membersonlyred(2) 

  • Standing up for Public Health

    • New Pilot for SNAP Recipients Proposed
      We believe many families that rely on SNAP want to make healthier food choices. HB 3434 would help them make this step. Just as physicians follow evidence-based practice guidelines developed from high quality studies, we believe a properly designed pilot project can provide critical information needed to shape SNAP so it can become a healthy food resource. A pilot program is a reasonable approach to encourage more healthy food choices, more of the time.
    • TMA to Give Away More Than 1,800 Bicycle Helmets in May
      TMA to Give Away More Than 1,800 Bicycle Helmets in MayTo protect children from head injuries and encourage fitness, the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) Hard Hats for Little Heads program will give away more than 2,000 bicycle helmets in May, which is Bike Month. 
    • Physicians Want Accurate Information in WRTK Brochure
      The WRTK booklet contains descriptive information on medical risks and procedures for women seeking an abortion that are neither current nor accurate. While we recognize much of the booklet’s content is prescribed in statute, we also have concerns about terms and inferences prevalent throughout its pages. Some of the terms used are not appropriate for a health information booklet.
    • HB 2686: Healthy Food and Economy Task Force
      Access to healthy food and consuming nutritious food are important factors in maintaining the health of our population and preventing chronic disease, including diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks. Food safety should play a critical role in policy development as an essential link between food and health.
    • Regulation Needed for Local Farmer’s Markets
      The unique characteristics of today’s farmers market is appealing to Texans who know they may find local products not yet available in their grocery store. But with more farmers markets and more people routinely shopping at these markets, the public should be made aware the foods they sample and purchase do not have to comply with the food safety standards of products in retail food establishments as established by the state and local health departments.

  • Texas Public Health Stats

    • Immunizations

      There is a greater risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in communities with low immunization rates. Vaccine preventable diseases will increase if Texas cuts immunization funding.

    • Obesity

      "F as in 'Fat'" Ranks Texas the 13th most-obese state in the country. Healthy eating starts in childhood.

    • Smoking

      Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the state. More than 24,000 Texans die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. Join with TMA to make Texas smoke-free.

    • Mental Health Funding

      More than 4.3 million Texans, including 1.2 million children, live with some form of mental health disorder. Of these, 1.5 million cannot function at work, school, or in the community due to their illness.