Background

During the 76th session of the Texas Legislature, lawmakers passed House Bill 2085, which included the creation of the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.

Activities of the Council include the following:

• developing an effective and resource-efficient plan,
• conducting health education, public awareness, and community outreach,
• improving access to treatment,
• coordinating activities among agencies within the state,
• developing a database of recommendations for treatment and care, and
• collecting and analyzing information related to CVD 

Pursuant to Chapter 93 of Texas' Health and Safety Code, Texas Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Council members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. They serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of four members expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year. A nonvoting member representing a state agency serves at the will of the appointing agency.

Visit the Governor's website for more information regarding appointments. 

Council Composition

(A)  a licensed physician with a specialization in cardiology;
(B)  a licensed physician with a specialization in neurology to treat stroke;
(C)  a licensed physician employed in a primary care setting;
(D)  a registered nurse with a specialization in quality improvement practices for cardiovascular disease and stroke;
(E)  a registered and licensed dietitian;
(F)  two persons with experience and training in public health policy, research, or practice;
(G)  two consumer members, with special consideration given to persons actively participating in the Texas affiliates of the American Heart Association or American Stroke Association, managed care, or hospital or rehabilitation settings; and
(H)  two members from the general public that have or care for persons with cardiovascular disease or stroke; and
(I)  one nonvoting member representing each of the state agencies that oversee: health services; assistive and rehabilitative services; and aging and disability services.

Council Members

Elected Members
J. Neal Rutledge, M.D., Chair
Licensed Physician in Stroke

Suzanne Hildebrand
Public Member

Vanessa Hicks-Callaway
Public Member

Michael M. Hawkins, M.D.
Consumer Member

Shilpa Shamapant
Consumer Member

Bob C. Hillert, M.D.
Licensed Physician in Cardiology

Sherron D. Meeks 
Registered Nurse

Janet Hall, RD, LD
Licensed Dietitian

Harry "Kyle" Sheets, M.D.
Licensed Physician in Primary Care

Maricella "Marcie" Gonzalez Wilson
Public Health, Policy and Research

E’Loria Simon-Campbell, PhD
Public Health, Policy, Research, Practice Member

Non-Voting Agency Representatives

Manda Hall, MD
Associate Commissioner, Community Health Improvement Division

Department of State Health Services

Chelsea Couch
Texercise Program Coordinator
Health and Human Services Commission