Public Health

DSHS Establishes World Cup Hotline to Help Physicians Diagnose Disease - 06/03/2026

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is offering a free hotline to assist physicians and other clinicians in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth with the diagnosis and management of suspected infectious disease during FIFA World Cup events in mid-June.

TMA Calls for Stronger THC Rules - 06/02/2026

A recent House of Delegates resolution regarding products infused with hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) advocates for increased safety regulations and enforcement, including child safety, testing, and labeling standards.

Texas Public Health Community Prepares for World Cup Spotlight - 05/27/2026

From keeping fans cool to tracking disease, health leaders in Texas’ biggest cities have planned to keep the public health system functioning as they prepare for an influx of international soccer fans during the FIFA World Cup.

Texas Health Officials Urge Lawmakers to Prioritize Public Health Infrastructure at Distinguished Speaker Event - 05/22/2026

At the Texas Capitol, Austin and Houston health officials warned that eroding vaccine confidence and underfunded health systems leave communities vulnerable to costly, preventable outbreaks.

TMA Lays Out Public Health Funding Priorities in Agency Hearing - 05/18/2026

As the Texas Department of State Health Services considers its upcoming 2028-29 budget, TMA’s goals include dedicating money to strengthening infectious disease prevention and improving maternal and infant health, among others aimed at bolstering Texas’ public health infrastructure.

Measles Uptick Expected During Travel Season, CDC Warns - 05/15/2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging medical professionals and health systems to prepare for a possible ramp-up in measles cases spread by summer travel. As of May 13, 182 measles cases have been reported in Texas, while national numbers continue to climb.

Texas Public Health Coalition Relaunches Distinguished Speaker Series - 05/08/2026

The organization is shining a spotlight on public health infrastructure and workforce challenges with a panel discussion at the Capitol. Lunch will be provided. Admission is free.

El Paso Prioritizes Tuberculosis Testing Despite Federal Budget Cuts - 04/24/2026

While health departments nationally are facing slimmer budgets, city health officials put money into tuberculosis screening. Physicians continue to stress the importance of keeping the infectious disease in check.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Warm Up with Texas Weather - 04/01/2026

Global officials note an increase in chikungunya cases in South America, inching closer to Texas. Texas’ largest concern remains West Nile virus.

Future of HHSC, DSHS to Be Determined by Sunset Review - 03/18/2026

Every 12 years, each state agency is subject to a sunset review process culminating with the Texas Legislature authorizing its continuation. TMA is providing initial input on two entities instrumental to the state’s health infrastructure.

Honored by AMA, Dallas Health Authority Reflects on TMA Collaborations - 03/04/2026

Recently presented with an Award for Outstanding Government Service, Philip Huang, MD, believes TMA’s credibility, legislative advocacy and organizational heft played a major role in shaping public health issues.

Physicians Can Bolster TMA-Backed Law Bringing Epinephrine to Texas Schools - 02/20/2026

A decade ago, TMA supported groundbreaking legislation allowing schools to stock epinephrine. Major metropolitan school districts have embraced the program, and recent data shows uptake across Texas. Physicians statewide can strengthen the program by supporting local school districts.

Division of Population Health and Medical Education - 02/06/2026

The Division of Population Health and Medical Education focuses on public health, scientific, and patient safety issues throughout the state, emphasizing areas in which high-quality medical care and scientific expertise can benefit all Texans. In addition the division maintains close relationships with academic medicine and monitors physician workforce trends.

Texas Lung Cancer Cases Down as Screening, Treatment Lag - 01/14/2026

Texas’ rate of new cases declined 15% over five years, according to the American Lung Association’s “State of Lung Cancer” report. However, barriers still impede regular screening for high-risk groups.

Newborn Screening Resource Center - 12/30/2025

The Texas Newborn Screening Program requires collection of two specimens from each newborn. The first screen requires blood from the newborn’s heel collected at 24 to 48 hours of age. The second specimen collection is at 7 to 14 days, a minimum of 168 hours, of age. The state’s public health laboratory analyzes the specimens.

Budget Crunch: Uncertainty Besets Texas’ Public Health Infrastructure as Federal Funding Streams Dry Up - 12/24/2025

Federal budget cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and other federal actions could hinder public health initiatives in Texas in 2026.

Inaugural TexMed Blood Drive Augments Whole Blood Efforts - 12/04/2025

The blood drive will take place April 17-18, 2026. Earlier this year, physician leaders joined other stakeholders to request funding for whole blood. Now, TMA looks to support and strengthen efforts as funds roll out.

Physicians Caution Texans to Avoid Kratom Products - 12/04/2025

Given a recent spike in people suffering harm from exposures to the opioid-like chemical found in the kratom plant, physicians and state health officials are cautioning Texans not to use the products and offering guidance to help people suffering their ill effects.

Diabetes Complications Can Be Devastating, TMA Physicians Warn - 11/20/2025

This National Diabetes Awareness month, TMA physicians are reminding Texans about the dangers of undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes.  Over 38 million people in the U.S. – including 2.9 million in Texas – live with the disease. More than one in 10 (12.7%) Texans have diabetes.

'The Canary in the Coal Mine': Wastewater Testing Advances Improve Readiness for Outbreaks - 11/13/2025

Houston is home to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System of Excellence.

The Essence of Outreach: TMA Health Beat Broadens Its Audience to Advocate More Effectively - 11/13/2025

Louise Bethea, MD, sometimes encounters resistance in persuading her patients with asthma to adhere to their daily medication regimen. It’s a problem she attributes, in part, to low health care literacy.

Contaminant Containment: Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Takes Physician Awareness - 11/13/2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates each year some 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, more than 127,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die.

$3 Billion Dementia Research Investment Up for Vote in November - 11/05/2025

Alzheimer’s disease, which comprises 60-80% of dementia cases, is rising in Texas and becoming a public health crisis, per state officials. TMA supports a new research institute aiming to change that.

New TMA Guide Urges Screening for Colon Cancer - 10/30/2025

Younger adults are seeing an “alarming” increase in colon cancer cases, so the Texas Medical Association (TMA) urges people to ask their physician about colorectal screening.

Hemp Sales See Age Requirement of 21 with More Rules to Come - 10/29/2025

Physicians say medicine must continue to stay at the table and advocate for safe regulation and enforcement, with the new age requirement of 21 only part of the solution. The state is studying and drafting rules for permanent consideration.