School of Public Health: Working with South Texas Communities

The heart of our work at the School of Public Health is community. We collaborate with partners throughout South Texas on research, experiential learning, and community events to improve the health of our region and contribute to the well-being of all.

 

 

Public Health Summit is coming - April 6, 2026

Submit an abstract today. Details below:

Submit your abstract for the 2026 Public Health Summit, produced by the UT San Antonio School of Public and Bexar County Public Health

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN STRATEGIES – HEALTH BEGINS HERE: COMMUNITY WISDOM, COLLECTIVE ACTION

Health doesn’t start in the doctor’s office — it starts where we live, work, learn, and connect.
This Public Health Summit is a space for sharing the powerful ways communities in South Texas are driving change and shaping healthier futures. Whether it is a neighborhood garden, a school partnership, a coalition or grass-roots effort, or an economic development campaign — your work matters here.

We are gathering community leaders, researchers, public health practitioners, educators, policymakers, and residents to exchange strategies, celebrate wins, and spark new collaborations.

 

Date and Location

Date: April 6th, 2026 

  • Lunch and breaks with refreshments provided

Location: UT San Antonio Downtown Campus

Conference Themes
Submissions should align with one or more of the following tracks, consistent with a Social Determinants of Health Model:

  1. Social and Community Context – Strengthening relationships, networks, and community connections.
  2. Neighborhoods and Built Environment – Designing spaces that promote health and safety.
  3. Healthcare Access and Quality – Ensuring fair and attentive care for all individuals.
  4. Education Access and Quality – Enhancing learning opportunities as a pathway to better health.
  5. Economic Stability – Addressing financial factors that influence access to vital resources, such as nutritious food.

 

Presentation Formats

  • Oral Presentations – symposium style or moderated panel (50 minutes)
  • Poster Presentations – Visual displays with opportunities for interactive discussion

 

Who Should Submit
We welcome contributions from a broad range of voices, including:

  • Community-based organizations and coalitions
  • Other groups partnering with community-based organizations, such as:
    • Public health practitioners and healthcare providers
    • Educators and policy advocates
    • Academic researchers and students
    • Residents and lived-experience experts

 

Abstract Guidelines

  • Word limit is 300 words, double-spaced and in 12 size font.
  • Structure requirements consist of title, background/purpose, methods/approach, results/findings, implications for community health
  • Citations and references are optional.
  • Up to one figure and table may be included and do not count against the word limit.
  • Indicate preferred track(s) and presentation format (symposium, moderated panel, poster)
  • No more than two abstracts per lead author may be submitted.
  • For oral presentations that include symposia and panels, no more than 3 speakers per panel for a 50-minute session. Single speaker abstracts will be part of presentations that include two other speakers matched the organizing committee by theme.

 

Key Dates

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: February 16, 2025

 

How to Submit
Submit your abstract in Microsoft Word or PDF format online to: tajani@uthscsa.edu

Join us in San Antonio as we highlight innovative, community-led approaches in South Texas to improving health and advancing equity through collective action.

Questions? Contact: Shama Tajani, tajani@uthscsa.edu

Community Engagement