Texas Healthy Communities
This page provides information about Texas Healthy Communities .
About Us
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The Texas Healthy Communities Program (TXHC) is an initiative that empowers Texas communities to improve local health outcomes by implementing policy, systems, and environmental changes that reduce the risk of chronic disease. DSHS funds local health entities to assess their community’s health needs and develop health improvement goals and action plans. This initiative drives local decision-making for chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
Community Assessment and Partnerships
Every community in Texas faces different health challenges and requires specific resources. The TXHC program works with community partners to increase awareness and education about chronic diseases and to promote a healthier environment among funded communities.
A key component of TXHC is an assessment that evaluates eight health indicators which have an impact on chronic disease outcomes. Funded communities create work groups comprised of local health-based organizations and stakeholders that collect data for the assessment. TXHC program staff review the results of each community’s assessment, assign scores for each indicator, and provide recommendations that aid communities in developing their goals and action plans. TXHC staff also assign an overall score and recognition level for each community. Communities may promote their recognition level to increase local awareness and pride for their commitment to healthy community design.
The eight TXHC indicators include:
| 1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY | Physical activity areas and opportunities are designated, safe, accessible, and promoted throughout the community. |
| 2. HEALTHY EATING | Healthy food access and educational opportunities are available to all members of the community. |
| 3. HEALTHY WORKSITES | Worksite wellness programs are in place for most employees. |
| 4.RESPIRATORY HEALTH | Initiatives are in place to reduce the toll of tobacco use and other respiratory issues on the health, safety, and well-being of the community. |
| 5. HEALTH CARE QUALITY AND ACCESS | Healthcare sites use quality improvement programs to support the prevention of chronic disease, improve maternity care, and improve access to affordable services for the community. |
| 6. HEALTHY AGING | Programs and resources support healthy aging for older adults. |
| 7. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | Efforts within the community increase awareness of resources related to behavioral health and substance use disorders. |
| 8. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS | The community promotes access to training and information on emergency preparedness as it relates to chronic disease management. |