● DFC's 2019 Legislative Summary #DFCAdvocates  (7.15.19)

On July 15, 2019, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM DFC will be hosting a legislative summary that focuses on healthcare policy and lessons learned from the 86th Texas Legislative Session. To attend please RSVP here. 

 ● The 86th Texas Legislative Session: How Did Children Do? Houston Legislative Debrief (7.23.19)

This conference will discuss how newly passed laws impact children, legislative victories and missed opportunities, next steps, and ways we can better advocate for Texas children. Hosted by Children at Risk in partnership with Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Legacy Community Health, and Doctors for Change. Register Here!

● DFC Leadership Meeting (7.29.19)

The next DFC Leadership Meeting is on Monday, July 29th, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at 2900 Weslayan St #400, Houston, TX 77027, 4th floor. Anyone is welcome to attend! RSVP here. 

● What Does Medicare for all Really Mean? (8.13.19) 

The Doctors for Change Access to Care Committee is excited to announce this year’s annual forum, What Does Medicare for all Really Mean? Over the past several months, the idea of universal health care and Medicare for all has been frequently debated.  The purpose of the forum is to hear from healthcare policy experts about what a universal healthcare system in the United States could entail. We look forward to an informative discussion on universal health care/Medicare for all. Register here!

● Volunteer Day at the Houston Food Bank (9.07.19) 

The HEAL committee is hosting a volunteer day at the Houston Food Bank in partnership with students from the Baylor College of Medicine on September 7th. Additional details to follow. Anyone is welcome to attend! Please contact Lauren Krenek at heal@doctorsforchange.org if you are interested or have any questions.  Add to Google Calendar. 

● Gender Infinity Conference (10.25.19) [Partner Event]

The Gender Infinity Conference is an affirming space for families, learners, advocates, and providers to advance relationships, knowledge, and resources that empower gender diverse individuals. Gender Infinity promotes justice, equity, and hope in the celebration of infinite gender possibilities. Join the Gender Infinity Conference for two days of discussions and workshops addressing the latest in gender affirming care and support. More information here.

● Tell Us Your Story

● The Immigrant Health Committee needs your support.

What: There is a proposed rule that would prohibit “mixed-status" families from living in public housing and Section 8 programs. Mixed-status families are households that include both members who are eligible and ineligible for housing assistance based on their immigration status. HUD's proposed rule would force families of mixed immigration status to break up to receive housing assistance, to forego the assistance altogether, or face termination from the programs. Over 55,000 children can potentially be homeless from this policy. (Keeping Families Together) 
How: When there is a rule-making proposal, the government is required to request comments from the public. It only takes a couple of minutes. You can submit a comment through the following page. https://www.keep-families-together.org/comment Just remember to personalize your comment and you can share the link with others!

● Access to Care

The Access to Care Committee is planning their educational forum "What Does Medicare For All Really Mean?" and is also collecting stories on transportation barriers in accessing health care. See additional information under the Upcoming Events and the Calls to Action section. Contact: accesstocare@doctorsforchange.org   

● Immigrant and Refugee Health

The Immigrant and Refugee Health Committee is continuing to work on their Case for Change, which aims to designate hospitals as safe spaces for immigrant families. They are also preparing for their educational forum/documentary screening about a clinic established specifically to address the health care of migrants. Currently, they are asking individuals to participate in their call to action for public comment in regards to a proposed rule that affects immigrant families. See the Calls to Action section above. Contact: immigranthealth@doctorsforchange.org

The next Immigrant and Refugee Health Committee Meeting is July 09, 2019, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Contact immigranthealth@doctorsforchange.org for the location. 

● Anti-Human Trafficking

The Anti-Human Trafficking committee is currently volunteering with Freedom Place, and if anyone interested in training to be a volunteer they can contact Julie Dorland. They are also partnering with the PATH collaborative of CHI/Baylor/San Jose Clinic to provide a clinic pathway for human trafficking victims in Houston. Lastly, they are working with the Human Trafficking Consortium in the Texas Medical Center to create a human trafficking survey as part of the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Contact: dfcagainsttrafficking@gmail.com

The next Anti-Human Trafficking Committee Meeting is July 11, 2019, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at Panera Bread on Holcombe. 

● Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL)

The HEAL committee is launching their Annual Youth Art Contest in August to promote healthy lifestyles in school-aged children. If you or anyone you know interested in participating please contact Lauren Krenek at heal@doctorsforchange.org.

The next HEAL Committee Meeting is July 24, 2019, from 6:30 to 7:00 PM at  2900 Weslayan St #400, Houston, TX 77027

● Mental Health

The Mental Health Committee is developing its Case for Change to address mental health treatment access, policy, and awareness throughout Texas. The committee is also advocating for inclusiveness in the Affirmative Defense (Romeo & Juliet) law which currently does not apply to same-sex teen relationships. Contact: dfcmentalhealth@gmail.com

The next Mental Health Committee Meeting is July 31, 2019, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The meeting location is 2900 Weslayan St #400, Houston, TX 77027