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A Healthy Texas Depends on Healthy Texans
TMA is a charter member of the Texas Public Health Coalition (TPHC). Created in 2006, the coalition is a collection of organizations that share an interest in advancing core public health principles at the state and community levels. In particular, the coalition addresses the leading causes of death and disability in Texas – cancer, tobacco usage, stroke, and obesity – through:
- Increased awareness and visibility of Texas’ public health infrastructure and level of wellness;
- Meaningful, evidence-based policies and legislation; and
- The removal of barriers to wellness.
For the 2009 session of the Texas Legislature, the coalition's list of "legislative asks" includes funding for a comprehensive, statewide tobacco prevention and cessation program; minimum standards for physical education in all grades; enhancing the Texas Vaccines for Children Program; and encouraging health plans to reward non-smokers and those who participate in tobacco cessation programs.
Priority Issues
Improve Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in Texas
Texas is suffering from a growing obesity (PDF) epidemic. More than half of Texas’ adults and about a third of our kids are now overweight or obese.
Make Texas Smoke-Free
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death (PDF) in the state. More than 24,000 Texans die each year from tobacco-related illnesses.
Improve Immunization Rates in Texas
Immunization among Texas children has improved — Texas now ranks 22nd nationally. But rising vaccine costs and natural disasters are only two of the barriers that threaten Texas’ success in preventing the spread of preventable communicable diseases (PDF).
Legislation Supporting Coalition's Agenda
Legislation filed to date that supports the Texas Public Health Coalition’s priorities (PDF).
TMA Testimonies
Mission
The mission of the Texas Public Health Coalition is to improve the health of all Texans by advancing, through a unified voice and collaborative actions, core public health principles at the state and community levels.
The coalition stands for:
- Improving the health of all Texans,
- Promoting health and preventing disease, and
- Educating people to adopt healthy lifestyles and providing tools that promote personal responsibility.
Members
The members of the Texas Public Health Coalition include:
Last Published: 3/23/2009 Print this page
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