Ricardo Garay serves as a General Board Member for Texas SOPHE and is a dedicated program manager for the Community Engagement and Health Equity team at the Dell Medical School. His work focuses on addressing health disparities, informed by his experiences as an immigrant from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In addition to his role at Dell Med, Ricardo facilitates community health initiatives in Central Texas, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and understanding of social determinants of health.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in community health, and how has your background as an immigrant influenced your work?

I define the role of a Community Health Worker as a community organizer that works with others to achieve liberation. Health to me, is a humanistic determinant, not a clinical exercise. I value a sense of belonging and general wellbeing as greater indicators of community health over traditional medical markers. Investing in collectivity and fostering solidarity continue to be areas of interest to me. I continue to be educated and inspired through storytelling and shared experiences, especially with those most affected by systemic violence.  

I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and was exposed to extremes from a young age. As a teenager, I volunteered as an interpreter and this was my first experience serving as a bridge between clinicians and community members. I came to the U.S. for college, and I was shocked at the high-tech / poor-human centered care. My first visit to a clinic felt humiliating and dehumanizing. I don't ever want anyone to experience that feeling and I believe we need to create healthcare systems for everyone. 

Nothing is more American than immigration and I find it sad that this country continues to allow this dissonance to shape our lives. As a Community Health Worker, I feel it is imperative to call out violent rhetoric and any framing that causes harm. 25 Years after coming to the U.S., I don't quite feel like I belong, and this continues to drive my work.  

Q: Can you share a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on that you believe made a significant impact in your community?

I joined the department of Population Health at the Dell Medical School during the early stages of its creation. This was a new school that promised the community to rethink healthcare and revolutionize medical education in Central Texas. I worked with others to elevate the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in these conversations and I was able to work with multiple CHWs across various projects. We were able to show that a CHW Hub was not only possible, but necessary to fulfill the promise of changing health paradigms. This team participated in some of the most inspiring stories of solidarity and human-centered care in Central Texas. Doing this work during a pandemic will forever stay with me. We did home visits, food deliveries, cash assistance navigation, vaccination work, and so much more. Many of those community members continue to stay in touch with me, showcasing the relationships that we built and reflecting the type of work that CHWs do. Our responsibility and accountability always remains in the community, and I am proud that we showed folks in Central Texas that this type of healthcare is possible (and essential). 

Q: How do you see the role of community health workers evolving in the next few years, particularly in Texas?

When I came to the U.S., I was shocked that health services did not focus on Community Health Workers. Other countries elevate the role of Community Health Workers, respecting their understanding of social determinants of care and their ability to generate community trust to focus on prevention. In Texas, it continues to be an uphill battle to be any kind of healthcare provider. From a lack of Medicaid expansion to laws that cause harm and discrimination, this state makes it difficult to promote healthy living-especially in communities of color. 

Despite these conditions, healthcare systems are starting to understand that there are great opportunities to improve health outcomes, lower costs, and shift responsibilities by respecting and elevating the role of Community Health Workers. I am hopeful that true leaders will start giving up seats at the decision tables and allow for CHWs to lead the transition to community-based health care. 

CHW Certifications and job postings are popping up more, but we all need to advocate for roles that pay a thriving wage to retain and invest in CHWs long term. There are wonderful opportunities to create integrated teams of Social Workers, Nurses, and Community Health Workers to coordinate care. CHWs will need to organize and advocate for proper recognition within these healthcare systems and help create sustainable models of care.  

Q: What advice would you give to individuals who want to get involved in community health and advocacy?

Stay accountable to your community. Build true and honest relationships with those most affected by structural violence. Do not participate in charity (vertical relationship), but instead focus on centering solidarity (horizontal relationship). Working in the community allows all of us opportunities to teach, but most importantly it allows us opportunities to learn. Participating at this level will also keep us accountable. Learning about the "People's History" and what the structural barriers are great places to start addressing public health. Furthermore, I believe it is important to have an anti-racist and anti-capitalistic stance in order to create better healthcare systems. Radical imagination is needed in order to shift paradigms. 

Q: What are your hopes for the future of public health education in Texas, and how can organizations like TSOPHE play a role in that vision?

As a Community Health Worker Instructor, I am a proponent of Popular Education. We can all learn and teach at the same time. We need to advocate for truly democratic societies where everyone can participate. I envision education that is multilingual, multimodal, multi-generational, and radical. Shifting from "what to think" to "how to think" is the greatest opportunity in education. Critical thinkers will finds ways to interrupt violence and create local solutions. 

TSOPHE can serve as a platform for voices that have traditionally not been at the table. Organizations can invest in indigenous healing and wellness platforms for people of color. I believe we all have a role to look at history and participate in reparations. I hope that public education in the state of Texas does not continue its trajectory of erasing important stories and elevating violent myths. There are opportunities ahead to get involved and make sure we can all learn and reconcile around truth and transparency. I look forward to working together to expand the people's history and to share knowledge around wellbeing and liberation.

Dr. Adela Santana is is a seasoned public health professional with 15 years of experience in managing complex research and evaluation projects funded by various federal agencies and foundations. Adela serves as a general board member for the Texas Society for Public Health Education (TSOPHE) executive board and co-chairs its advocacy committee. Adela's areas of expertise span a wide range of health topics, including behavioral health, global health, and social determinants of health.

What inspired you to get involved with TSOPHE?

When I moved to Dallas from Atlanta 8 years ago, I was on a quest for fellow individuals who were passionate about public health and dedicated to making a difference in Texas. So, I turned to National Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), and connected to the Texas affiliation! Through TSOPHE, I have found a tribe of public health professionals on a mission to improve the health and well-being of others.

How do you see your diverse research/professional experience contributing to your role on TSOPHE's executive board?

To TSOPHE’s executive board, I believe the kaleidoscope of my 15-year career in health offers wisdom  that has accumulated through my ranging experiences in the public sector, non-profit organizations, and the for-profit industry. I’ve worked in the areas of cardiovascular health, health communications, behavioral health and patient-centered healthcare. Through every role I’ve had, my core responsibilities have included health education, and continuous process improvement to drive data-insights, fine-tune operations, and strengthen collective impact. I can identify with many topics and resonate with the diversity that public health professionals bring. 

Can you discuss a recent project or initiative you've been involved with at TSOPHE that you're particularly proud of?

I am a member of the TSOPHE Advocacy Committee, and we were recently connected with a non-profit organization called Healthy Democracy, Health People which aims to strengthen the overall capacity of the health sector in civic engagement, specifically voting. I am excited about opportunities we’ve identified to promote voter participation among health professionals. This is one very influential way in which health professionals can take action in shaping health policy that can lead to improved health outcomes for all. 

What advice would you give to early-career professionals looking to make an impact in public health education?

As I pivoted across my career, I was always guided by wanting to make a positive impact on people’s health and their communities but it wasn’t until later in my career that I realized it was important to position myself within spheres of influence that could amplify my impact and contribute to my continuous growth and understanding. That is why I went back to school to earn my PhD, why I joined TSOPHE, and also why I became a member of Texas Evaluation Network (TEN). In addition, I started volunteering my evaluation expertise with non-profit organizations I believed have potential to make a big difference. These networks turbo-boost the impact someone can make and connect you with new learning and opportunities you would not otherwise be exposed to.

Can you discuss a recent innovation in public health/health education that you're particularly excited about?

I’m excited about advances in population health made possible by gen AI. By blending healthcare data with public health data, including information about social determinants of health such as whether people are facing food insecurity, lacking access to health insurance, transportation, or facing economic insecurity, we gain a fuller picture of what is needed to improve health outcomes,  including social and environmental interventions  as well as patient-centered care. Ultimately, as generative AI leverages both healthcare and public data, I believe this will lead to novel insights about how to tailor and target inventions, refine communications and strengthen organizational performance.

Meet Carlton Allen, MS, CHW, MCHES! Carlton is a dedicated healthcare professional with over a decade of experience in cancer prevention and research. As the Program Manager for Prevention at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), he coordinates and evaluates crucial prevention programs. Carlton holds a Master of Science in Health Sciences from UT Tyler and has received recognition for his work, including the American Cancer Society's 2021 Volunteer Staff Partnership Award.

Notably, Carlton serves on the Executive Board of the Texas Society for Public Health Education (TSOPHE) as a General Board Member, where he extends his expertise to support and advance public health education across the state. His commitment to cancer prevention extends to various advisory roles and board positions, making him a influential advocate in the field.

Q: Can you share a little about your professional trajectory and what brought you to choose a career in public health? 

A: Of course! My career path in public health has been driven by a deep-rooted commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved and rural communities. As with some in our field, I really fell into public health during grad school, but truly embraced it during my first position right after. My journey began with working with a broad range of chronic diseases, involving evidence-based interventions, working on developing and fostering community partnerships. It has evolved into a passion for advancing cancer prevention and research striving for health equity. This foundation has enabled me to develop comprehensive programs and interventions that resonate with diverse populations that create impactful change along with becoming an advocate for cancer prevention.

Q: As an active member in various organizations, what strategies have you found effective in fostering collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds?

A: I have found that one of the best ways is by creating inclusive environments. To me this means that I should always look at how to highlight the unique contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds.  I have also tried to prioritize those that I have had the opportunity to work with and feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives. I have also learned the power that communication can have. This involves actively listening, clear and consistent communication, and lastly being purposeful in choosing the language that I use. 

Q: What role do you believe public health education plays in chronic disease prevention and research?

A: Public health education is a cornerstone in the prevention and management of chronic diseases and plays a vital role in how the field continues to grow. At the core, public health education focuses on empowering communities by fostering community engagement and empowerment, encouraging individuals to take active roles in their health and the health of the communities they represent. This coupled with raising awareness and knowledge allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health and puts them in a better position to advocate for themselves and who they represent. 

Q: What advice would you give to students who want to learn more about pursuing a career in public health?

A: Ask all of the questions…and when you think you finally have the answers, ask some more! Having a strong educational foundation is good but the hands-on experience and getting involved is critical. I would say 90% of what I know and learned in this field is because of the practical experience through internships, volunteering, and on the job learning. 

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring public health educators and/or practitioners who want to make a significant impact in chronic disease prevention and research?

A: Some of the best advice I can give aspiring public health leaders is to learn how to truly immerse yourself in community engagement. Engage with communities to understand their specific health needs, cultural contexts, and barriers and more importantly, involve the community and genuinely get to know your community and the ones you are working in/with better. Lastly, grow your network! Work collaboratively with professionals from various disciplines, build partnerships, and communicate with them often. Collaboration is key!

MEET DR. EBUN EBUNLOMO!

Dr. Ebun Ebunlomo is a public health expert with a doctoral degree in health promotion and over a decade of experience developing and implementing programs to improve population health across clinical, community, and workplace settings. Dr. Ebunlomo serves on the executive board of the Texas Society for Public Health Education (TSOPHE) as the Treasurer. In this Q&A, she shares insights on her trajectory, the public health field, and tips for students:

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in public health education?

My undergraduate degree in Sociology and Anthropology opened my eyes to the world of "medical anthropology" and showed me that there was so much more to behavior change and there is a science (or diverse fields of study) to helping others change their behavior through education.

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to an undergraduate student interested in following a similar career path, what would it be?

Get involved in professional organizations and network with others so you can continue to stay abreast of new developments and keep learning about what your options are!

Q: Where do you see the field of public health education heading in the next 5-10 years, and how is the Texas Society preparing to stay ahead of the curve?

The field of public health education will be greatly impacted by technological advances (i.e., artificial intelligence). This includes the entire continuum - from research to teaching and even in practice. Embracing this new trend and leveraging it to our advantage is vital. To this end, TSOPHE is working to prioritize this topic in future webinars as we engage experts who can share more about "What's on the horizon for AI within the context of public health education?"

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the Texas Society for Public Health Education and serving as its Treasurer?

I enjoy the collegial nature of this organization; it is inspiring to interact with other colleagues from diverse personal and professional experiences who are passionate about public health issues impacting this great state of Texas! Serving as TSOPHE treasurer has been eye-opening as I am learning more about the financial operations of a non-profit organization as I lend my time and effort in ensuring routine tracking of expenses and proper reporting of paid membership dues. I have picked up a few nuggets about accounting and finances over the past few months.

Q: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of public health education?

I attend conferences, webinars, local workshops; and maintain a healthy dose of subscription to professional organizations list servs. I also intentionally choose to review what's new in specific areas of interest on a monthly basis. My students also hold me accountable as their work enrich my knowledge base and help challenge me to see what's new in relation to what I learned a few years, months (or even weeks) ago.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, and what continues to motivate you?

My students' success - seeing them thrive and do even greater things that I have accomplished in practice - keeps me going, especially when the going gets tough :) Beyond students who I have taught, the opportunity to mentor and share my experiences with others is always rewarding!

Q: Outside of your work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I love to spend time with my family and I am very involved in my local church (I sing in the choir). I also enjoy exercising, cooking, hosting others in my home, and traveling.

MEET EVI RUZSICSKA!

Evi Ruzsicska is a rising star in the world of public health education. Originally from Australia, Evi now serves on the executive board of the Texas Society of Public Health Education (TSOPHE), where she holds the role of secretary. In this fun Q&A, Evi shares what inspired her to get involved with TSOPHE, the parts of her role that she finds most rewarding, and her bold ideas for elevating public health education throughout the Lone Star State.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with the Texas Society of Public Health Education? 

I was lucky enough to attend the TSOPHE conference in Austin last year, and all of the beautiful minds coming together in the same space made me excited about getting more involved in this space!

Q: What's your favorite part of your role as secretary so far? 

Connecting with the rest of the team! We’re really lucky to have such an eclectic, passionate bunch of professionals from different backgrounds serving this year. Getting into the same room or Zoom call and smoosh our brains together is really special.

Q: If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about public health education in Texas, what would it be?

Ooft! I’ll be honest, I’m an Aussie and still relatively new to Texas, so I’m still learning a lot about the development, delivery, and distribution of public health education here, but a couple of things come to mind immediately!

One, I’d love to see MORE!

Two, I would love to see MORE programs that help improve people's health literacy. I see a lot of poor health literacy in the clinic and on the front line, so creating avenues to get people involved and excited about their health would be brilliant!

Q: What's the most interesting podcast, book or article you've learned from lately related to public health?

I really have been enjoying This Podcast Will Kill You. It’s hosted by a couple of epidemiologists/ disease ecologists, and they’re just SO COOL.

Q: If you had to describe the Texas Society of Public Health Education in just a few words, what would you say?

A rocking team with a rocking dreeeeaaaam!!!