The Division of Community Engagement and Health Equity in the Department of Population Health forms partnerships, pursues funding for research and programs, disseminates information about the impact of community engagement activities and teaches medical students about engaging communities and addressing the social determinants of health.
Its vision: All who live, work and play in Central Texas are consulted about and are empowered to participate in creating a vital inclusive health ecosystem.
Its mission: To leverage collaborations with community members, organizations, government entities, businesses, policy makers and The University of Texas at Austin to tackle social determinants of health, promote equity and quality of life and improve health outcomes.
Community Health
Through the division, Population Health collaborates with partners to improve the health of a geographic area and its residents through programs like the Neighborhood Health Initiative.
Educational Opportunities
The division promotes training that integrates science and awareness of social determinants of health in a multi-disciplinary environment. Through research, education, policy and clinical practice, Dell Med students have opportunities to gain a complete understanding of the myriad factors that influence the health of individuals.
Through the school’s innovative curriculum and clerkship/community engagement opportunities, medical school students learn about and understand at a deeper level the underlying causes that have led to social exclusion and health inequities. The students also assess and present quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to health status and determinants of health for individuals, families, communities and populations.
Community-Driven Initiatives
Community-Driven Initiatives is a program of the Department of Population Health that seeks to support and implement health solutions proposed by and for residents of Austin and Central Texas communities.