Current Projects
Learn about our current projects
See how we continue to reach populations in Texas.
With our regional partners, we currently lead 5 projects focused on the pandemic, chronic disease, and mind health among populations in Texas.
Our work continues beyond the height of the pandemic
The pandemic opened wide the gaps in health outcomes already experienced by Texas populations. Alongside our regional partners, we continue to address these unjust health outcomes, while also expanding our health initiatives beyond the pandemic.
Current projects
Community-Engaged Development and Implementation of the South Asian Community Health Ambassador Program for Type II Diabetes Prevention and Management
April 2024 - March 2028 DFW Stacey Griner, PhD & Malinee Neelamegam, PhD This project focuses on creating a Community Health Ambassador program to help prevent and manage Type II diabetes among South Asian residents in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Guided by a structured framework, researchers and local partners will work together to design, test, and adapt the program based on community input. The initiative emphasizes culturally informed education, practical lifestyle guidance, and strong local participation to improve understanding and management of diabetes. Insights from this effort will support future expansion and long-term success of similar programs.
Stop Six Community Corps
April 2024 - March 2028 Stop Six Linda Fulmer This project builds on the work of the Stop Six Community Corps, a dedicated group of local residents trained to share accurate health information and support their neighbors. The group will now focus on helping prevent and manage long-term health conditions affecting local residents. Members will continue receiving ongoing training and maintain trusted relationships that allow them to share reliable guidance and encourage healthy living. This effort strengthens local readiness to respond to future health concerns while supporting lasting well-being in Stop Six.
Bexar County Community Engagement Alliance
April 2024 - March 2028 Bexar Tharani Ravi In partnership with fourteen agencies across Bexar County and nearby areas, this project focuses on helping residents prevent and manage diabetes and heart-related conditions. The effort combines local assessments, education, and stronger links to existing food and economic resources to improve everyday health. By working closely with partners, the team supports practical strategies for healthy living and better self-management of long-term conditions. The project also helps strengthen local capacity to respond to ongoing and future health needs in the region.
A Randomized Control Trial of Conversations Advancing Resilience and Empowerment (CARE): A Peer-Led Intervention to Address Misinformation and Improve Health Among Under-Resourced Communities in Texas
April 2025 - March 2028 Harris Jasmine J. Opusunju, DrPH This project evaluates a peer-led program designed to strengthen knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to chronic conditions across six areas of Houston and Harris County. Trained health workers engage residents through motivational interviewing, counseling, and education to share accurate information about nutrition, physical activity, and long-term disease management. They also assess individual habits, gather feedback through surveys, and connect participants with useful local resources. The effort aims to improve well-being by addressing key factors that influence everyday health and quality of life.
South Texas CEAL: Leveraging Community Engagement Strategies to Design and Evaluate Peer-Led Interventions to Promote Health Equity in Underserved Communities in South Texas
April 2025 - March 2028 Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Starr and Nueces Candace Robledo, PhD and Luis Torres-Hostos, PhD This project focuses on improving maternal and overall health among residents in South Texas, including areas within and around Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Starr, and Nueces counties. It aims to lessen the impact of chronic disease, strengthen maternal outcomes, and counter inaccurate health information through locally guided engagement and outreach. By working with regional partners and health professionals, the project supports peer-led efforts that respond to local needs and advance healthier lives for women and families.
Advancing Health Equity through Multi-level, Community-led Interventions Addressing Social Determinants of Health
April 2024 - March 2028 Houston/Harris County, Texas Jasmine J. Opusunju, DrPH This project evaluates a multi-level program designed to improve health outcomes related to chronic conditions in six key areas of Houston and Harris County. Using methods such as motivational interviewing, structured counseling, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), behavioral journalism, and local health initiatives, trained health workers connect residents with helpful resources and education. The effort focuses on strengthening healthy habits and increasing knowledge about chronic disease prevention and management. Surveys will also be administered to gather data on knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors, and assist with implementing the multi-level program.