Continued Struggles After COVID-19

As Texas reflects on its approach to health care amid the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it does so from a position of considerable disadvantage. The state grapples with a high number of uninsured individuals, a deficient public health infrastructure, and a notable shortage of healthcare professionals—a reality that predates the pandemic and remains unaddressed.

Current Public Health Investments

Despite the harrowing lessons learned from COVID-19, Texas’s investment in public health has diminished since the pandemic onset. Public health authorities face increased challenges, including growing vaccine hesitancy and diminishing tools to safeguard community health.

There is an observable trend of deep-seated distrust in scientific expertise and health authorities, which complicates efforts to reinforce public health initiatives. Authorities now confront the re-emergence of diseases like measles and new strains of bird flu, raising significant concerns about future health crises.

Future Concerns and Upcoming Discussions

Local and state leaders find themselves at a crossroads. With looming public health threats, the question arises: can they pivot from the challenges that COVID-19 laid bare before another health crisis strikes?

To facilitate this important discourse, a key event is slated for April 2 at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health’s Austin Campus, starting at 12:00 p.m. Participants will gather for a comprehensive conversation about the future of public health in Texas. Lunch will be provided by The Texas Tribune, preceding the discussions that aim to strategize on health crisis prevention.