Turning Mission into Action: Advancing Health Justice for All Texans
Since 2015, Texas Health Action has built a revolutionary model of care that improves health outcomes for people impacted by HIV and LGBTQIA+ communities by addressing their healthcare needs that have historically not been addressed. Our staff deliver essential sexual health and mental health services like therapy, HIV prevention and care, STI testing and treatment, among many medical and support services to over 25,000 Texans every year. We recognize that improving health outcomes requires more than clinical care—it requires action at the Texas Capitol. The legislative session is an opportunity for us to move the needle forward, educate lawmakers, and make health justice a reality—not just for our patients, but for all Texans.
Beyond the Clinic: Texas Health Action's Key Issues Shaping Access to Care
As a trusted leader in sexual health services like HIV prevention and care, Texas Health Action has developed deep expertise in identifying and addressing the barriers that prevent Texans from accessing critical healthcare. Our legislative priorities are grounded in the real-world challenges our patients face every day. Here are the key issues we are focusing on this session:
- Closing the Healthcare Gap: Texas has the highest number of people without health insurance in the country. We are advocating for programs that help uninsured Texans access essential care.
- Expanding Access to STI Testing: Many Texans cannot afford routine or multiple STI tests because their insurance does not cover it. Expanding insurance coverage for STI testing will make early detection and treatment easier, improving health outcomes across Texas.
- Streamlining Access to Medications: Right now, patients face delays in getting medications like PrEP because of approval processes required by insurance companies. Simplifying access will save lives and help prevent new HIV infections.
- Growing Texas’ Healthcare Workforce: Texas faces a critical shortage of healthcare providers, especially in mental health, with 246 of the state’s 254 counties designated as full or partial mental health provider shortage areas. We are advocating for programs that train and attract more healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for care and ensure Texans have access to the services they need.
- Supporting Efforts to Improve Affordability: Housing, transportation, and food affordability are fundamental to a person’s health and well-being. We support initiatives that make meaningful improvements in these areas, improving health outcomes for Texans.
- Ending Stigma, Advancing Care: Harmful legislation targeting the rights, dignity, and specific healthcare services of LGBTQIA+ individuals —particularly transgender and non-binary people—creates barriers to care, increases stigma, and leads to poorer health outcomes. Every Texan deserves access to care without fear or discrimination.
Working with Allies: A Collaborative Approach to Health and Advocacy
Addressing healthcare needs requires a network of providers and supportive services working together. The same principle applies to advancing health justice at the state level—our efforts cannot happen in isolation. To create meaningful change, we collaborate with other providers, organizations, and advocates to amplify our collective voice and ensure lawmakers understand the real-world impacts of these critical issues.
Staying Connected: Advocacy Updates and Engagement
Whether you are a patient, supporter, or stakeholder in Texas Health Action’s mission, your dedication to the health and well-being of our communities drives everything we do. Legislative decisions can have a profound impact on the health of a population, and we are committed to keeping you informed.
