Say hello to Susan!

We are excited to announce that Susan Kirtz has accepted a new Director of Special Projects position with the CHC, effective November 6.

Susan offers a broad range of skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods and the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health initiatives. In her most recent role at University Health Services, Susan leveraged her skills in health communication to promote healthy sexuality and prevent high-risk drinking. She also facilitated the rapid growth of HealthyhornsTXT, a text messaging campaign aimed at supporting student health and academic success, the first of its kind in college health. Susan earned her Master of Public Health Degree in Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Music Degree from Ithaca College.

Susan will play an integral role in the research, development, communication and promotion of the CHC's two primary statewide projects and will work closely with faculty affiliates across campus to implement all programmatic components. The projects include the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and The Texas Health Journal. The PMP, through Health and Human Services Commission, will initiate the development and marketing of a statewide program to promote prescriber registration where the goal is to reduce opioid misuse, dependence, and overdose-related fatalities. The Texas Health Journal is an ongoing digital effort to tell the story of how the 14 institutions that make up the The University of Texas System are improving the health of the people of Texas through education, research, and health care.