To bolster Texas’ public health infrastructure, the Texas Medical Association is asking the state to invest in a broad range of public health services aimed at strengthening infectious disease prevention, improving maternal and infant health, and preventing chronic disease.
Those are among the top public health priorities expected for the 2027 Texas legislative session TMA and other medical organizations shared in joint testimony before the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) at an April 30 hearing as the agency considers its 2028-29 budget.
“Overall, a continued focus on Texas’ public health infrastructure now will help defray health care costs in the future. ... Physicians and health care professionals are key allies in state efforts to improve public health,” Lauren Gambill, MD, said in written testimony submitted on behalf of TMA, Texas Pediatric Society (TPS), and the Texas Public Health Coalition (TPHC). The Austin pediatrician is a past chair and current member of TMA’s Committee on Child and Adolescent Health.
As the legislature gears up for the 2027 session, the state’s health agencies, including DSHS, are also set to undergo sunset review, a periodic process that advises legislators on whether to continue, change, or abolish the entities.
With that in mind, medicine’s testimony also asks DSHS remain a freestanding agency led by an expert physician who understands patient and population health to keep state health responses “nimble, timely, not bogged down by bureaucratic red tape,” Dr. Gambill testified.
TMA, TPS, and TPHC commended DSHS for its continued data-driven efforts to combat pressing health issues and for bringing critical information to Texans, and the organizations went on to request DSHS prioritize six key areas during the upcoming legislative session:
Immunization services: Immunizations are a safe, cost-effective way to prevent infectious diseases, and rising vaccine hesitancy continues to concern Texas physicians and health care professionals, Dr. Gambill testified. TMA is asking DSHS pursue additional funding to:
- Maintain a strong Adult Safety Net Program for uninsured adults to access life-saving vaccinations.
- Ensure compliance with school vaccine requirements and support school-based health care centers, as well as assess immunization coverage rates in childcare centers.
- Strengthen the Texas Vaccines for Children program participation by improving physician payment and reducing administrative burdens.
Infectious disease: Outbreaks contribute to illness and potential death but also to possible economic disruptions, Dr. Gambill testified. TMA is urging DSHS to request infectious disease prevention and epidemiological funding for two specific programs: the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and DSHS’ Congenital Syphilis Provider Consultation Hotline, for which expansion would include after-hours and weekend assistance.
Maternal and infant health: DSHS provides key analytical and administrative support to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, TexasAIM (Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health), and the Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies.
Physicians wish to see that work maintained, Dr. Gambill testified, as well as continued funding for an up-to-date Texas Newborn Screening Panel and mobile health units that give women in rural and underserved areas access to cancer screenings and other crucial health care.
Chronic disease prevention: Heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes lead causes of death in Texas, Dr. Gambill testified, with tobacco use the leading cause of preventable death and disease. Investment in prevention programs will help avoid high medical costs and contribute to long-term savings, Dr. Gambill testified.
TMA, TPS, and TPHC also support:
- Dynamic statewide health promotion, encouraging Texans to be physically active along with making healthy food choices. School-based health through the Texas School Health Program would support physical and behavioral well-being.
- The ongoing implementation of consumable hemp product regulations, especially to protect minors.
Regional and local public health services: DSHS’ partnership with regional and local public health entities is essential in helping the state meet the public health needs across Texans, Dr. Gambill testified. Continued investment in these organizations is imperative to span the gap in counties and areas without a sufficient local health and/or public health entity.
The Federally Qualified Health Center Incubator Program: The program has been instrumental in increasing access to primary and preventive services for children and families, Dr. Gambill testified. Past funding has supported new women’s and pediatric clinics, added pediatricians and behavioral health professionals, and established new care sites in rural communities.
“These health centers are needed to keep up with the growth in demand for medical and mental health services,” Dr. Gambill said.
Follow TMA’s legislative testimony and related Texas Medicine Today coverage on the state advocacy webpage.