Related Stories

Frequently Asked Questions - 11/21/2025

Hard Hats for Little Heads FAQs

Medical Community Service Project Takes Root at Local Medicine Matters - 11/18/2025

What began as a small, heartfelt initiative in Tarrant County has blossomed into a statewide effort by local medical alliance members to connect with and support medical residents across Texas through care packages.

Brownsville Alliance’s Annual Jump-a-Thon Empowers Youth and Families - 09/02/2025

Over the course of the event, kids received free jump ropes, helmets courtesy of TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads giveaway program, and books complimentary of the association’s Texas BookShare. Read more.

Hundreds of Kids Get Helmets with County Medical Society Back-to-School Events - 08/26/2025

Local physicians took advantage of TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads outreach program to help Texas children have a safe return to school. TMA matches helmet purchases to prevent injuries while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

MAD Drive Bolsters Hard Hats for Little Heads - 06/17/2025

A well-fitted helmet can save a child’s life, and thanks to passionate donors at the 2025 Texas Medical Association Foundation Gala, more than $50,000 will provide such gear to kids through Hard Hats for Little Heads, a signature outreach program.

Keep Kids Safe This National Bike Month with Hard Hats for Little Heads - 05/22/2025

As young cyclists observe National Bike Month this May, prevent serious injuries by giving the gift of safety: a well-fitted helmet. TMA will match your helmet purchases, contributing to the hundreds of thousands of helmets distributed since 1994.

Alliance President Joi Smith Seeks to Connect and Support Families, Communities - 05/14/2025

The torch of TMAA leadership was passed at TexMed. New president Joi Smith of Tyler is ready to continue the alliance’s work as outlined by its new mission, vision, and strategic plan to build a healthy Texas through community outreach and advocacy.

TMA Alliance Installs Medicine – and Music – Champion as President - 05/10/2025

One might not think music and organized medicine have much in common, but for Joi Smith of Tyler – the newly installed president of the Texas Medical Association Alliance – it has been the perfect marriage, both literally and figuratively. The community service and advocacy arm of TMA installed Ms. Smith as its newest president Saturday during TexMed, the association’s annual conference, held this year in San Antonio.

TMAA President-Elect Joi Smith Calls Medicine’s Volunteer Force to Action with a Dose of Positivity - 02/27/2025

TMA Alliance President-Elect Joi Smith calls medicine’s volunteer force to action with a dose of positivity.

Hard Hats for Little Heads: Planning Your Event - 12/05/2024

TMA recommends you start planning your Hard Hats for Little Heads event at least a month in advance to ensure time for delivery of helmets and materials.

House Recognizes TMA Alliance on First Tuesdays’ 20th Anniversary - 11/18/2024

Clad in commemorative scarves honoring the 20th anniversary of First Tuesdays at the Capitol, Texas Medical Association Alliance (TMAA) members stood tall among a sea of white coats as State Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton) recognized their dedication to medicine on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives on March 7.

A Party for Medicine: Alliance Advocacy Events Increase TEXPAC Visibility - 09/30/2024

TMAA President and TEXPAC board member Jenny Shepherd’s advocacy events increase TEXPAC visibility and membership. 

Tip of the Hat: Hard Hats Founder Made Helmet-Wearing Kids a Common Sight - 09/30/2024

As the father of the Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program, Houston pain specialist Larry Driver, MD, has a legacy of safety in the state.

On Call for Little Heads: 30 Years of Hard Hats - 09/27/2024

Participants reflect on three decades of TMA’s longest-running outreach program.

El Paso Physician Named TMA Health Hero - 09/19/2024

Joseph H. Segapeli, MD, an El Paso pediatrician, was named a Health Hero Saturday by the Texas Medical Association (TMA) for his commitment to improving the health of his community. Dr. Segapeli was honored with the third annual award last week during TexMed, TMA’s annual conference, in Dallas.

Jenny Shepherd Says “I Do” to TMAA Presidency - 05/13/2024

The longtime medical advocate became the 107th Texas Medical Association Alliance (TMAA) president at TexMed May 4.

All One Family: Alliance Presidents Share Passion for the Family of Medicine - 04/01/2024

TMA Alliance presidents share their passion for building and bonding the Family of Medicine

TMA Alliance Helps Launch New Chapter for Spouses Without Local Organization - 02/29/2024

Like the Lone Star Caucus, the newly formed Lone Star Alliance will serve medical societies across the state in non-metropolitan areas. Deadline for application is March 31. Read more.

TMA Alliance Installs Corpus Christi Community Leader as President - 02/14/2024

The Texas Medical Association Alliance (TMAA) has installed Corpus Christi community leader Elizabeth Vanexan to serve as the group’s president for a one-year term.

Texas BookShare: The program puts a novel twist on promoting healthy living to youth - 02/14/2024

Since 2021, BookShare has aimed to place big ideas into little hands across Texas by providing funding for books and promoting community collaboration along the way. Today the program has grown to encompass seven counties across Texas and has given away more than 5,000 health-related books to children in Texas.

Smith County Podcast Sparks Alliance Connections - 10/30/2023

Smith County Medical Society Alliance members found an innovative and creative way to introduce new and current members to all the chapter has to offer and teach them how to advocate on behalf of the family of medicine.

All You Need to Do Is RSVP: Alliance Leader Opens Invitation to Medical Advocacy - 10/26/2023

TMA Alliance leader Jenny Shepherd’s open invitation to medical advocacy is an award-winning approach

All You Need to Do Is RSVP: TMA Alliance Leader's Open Invitation - 10/26/2023

TMA Alliance Leader Jenny Shepherd extends an open invitation to join medical advocacy.

TCEP Kicks Off Hard Hats for Little Heads Collaboration - 08/31/2023

More than 300 students at Waverly Park Elementary School in Fort Worth received some early holiday cheer in late November with a free bicycle helmet from the Texas College of Emergency Physicians in conjunction with TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program.

Hard Hats for Little Heads Event Ideas - 08/31/2023

Ideas for a Successful Event