Amanda Hudson

The council discussed the 2026 Biennial Report, including the approval of its recommendations and strategies. Departmental representatives provided reports on the Dementia Care Project ECHO, the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium symposium, the Learning Action Institute, and the impact of the Grants to Increase Local Dementia Support program. The council also reviewed the status of the TARCC grant cycle, noting an increase in applications and potential strategies for future reviews.

The committee meeting focused on updates regarding domestic uranium production, noting its inclusion on the Department of the Interior critical mineral list. Discussion occurred regarding the movement of engineering talent from the oil and gas sector into the nuclear energy industry, along with considerations regarding the limited pool of qualified workers. The meeting concluded without the introduction of any new business or recommendations for future reports.

The council meeting covered several key operational and programmatic updates. Discussions included state epidemiology reports regarding an Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreak, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and updates from the EMS and Trauma Registries, including new data dictionary standards and workforce trends. The council reviewed Mobile Integrated Health community practices, trauma and stroke facility designations, and performance improvement data related to severe trauma patient transfers.

The meeting featured an overview of chronic disease data in the border region, highlighting significantly higher prevalence rates for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and high blood pressure among Hispanic populations compared to statewide data. Discussions included a review of chronic disease prevention efforts focused on conditions such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and obesity. Additionally, an update was provided on the recommendations report workgroups, which focused on chronic disease, infectious disease, and the public health workforce.

This report outlines six recommendations across three main areas: Chronic Disease, Communicable Disease, and Public Health Workforce. These recommendations are designed to advance obesity prevention, enhance local laboratory capacity for disease detection and preparedness, and strengthen the public health workforce in the Texas border region. The objective is to improve health outcomes, disease surveillance, and public health infrastructure within the specified region.