More Texans will be impacted by TMA's five signature programs thanks to grants recently approved by TMA Foundation totaling $514,000. Donations from individual and institutional donors makes these grants possible. The programs are carried out by thousands of physician, TMA Alliance and medical student member volunteers who join with community members and local organizations.
TMA's Hard Hats for Little Heads (HHLH) enables physicians, medical students, and TMAA members to take a proactive and visible role in preventing head injury by providing bicycle helmets to children. HHLH encourages Texas children to exercise safely by wearing a properly fitted helmet when bicycling, skateboarding, inline-skating or riding a scooter. Funding for 2017 supports giving away at least 30,500 helmets, 1,500 more helmets than the 2016 target. HHLH is made possible in 2017 thanks to major support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.
TMA's Diversity in Medicine Scholarship Program annually awards a $10,000 scholarship to a first-year African American, Hispanic and Native American student at each Texas medical school whose experience includes healthcare volunteerism, community service and high academic standing. With the addition of The University of the Incarnate Word's School of Osteopathic Medicine in San Antonio, the number of scholarships increases to 12 in 2017. Major supporters of the MSP in 2017 include the TMAF Trust Fund of Dr. Roberto J. Bayardo and Agniela (Annie) M. Bayardo, H-E-B and the TMAF Patrick Y. Leung, MD, Minority Scholarship Endowment.
Walk With a Doc Texas aligns two TMA priorities: fighting the obesity epidemic among adults and children and reducing health disparities in minority and medically underserved communities. TMA physician, resident and medical student members volunteer to establish a walk site and invite patients, along with family and friends, to join them for monthly walks throughout the year. In 2017, the number of sites will increase from 36 to 39 and attract nearly 12,000 participants. Top support in 2017 is generously provided by TMA Insurance Trust and Prudential.
TMA's Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching promotes the understanding and role of science in our modern society by recognizing a first place elementary, middle and high school science teacher and their school with a cash award. Starting in 2017, second place teachers will receive a cash award, in addition to the grant their school receives for science curriculum enhancements. The TMAF Ernest and Sarah Butler Endowment for the Recognition of Excellence in Science Teaching provides major support for the 2017 program.
Be Wise-Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association.